To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 14

As Elara reached her car, she felt the weight of a gaze pinning her from a distance. In a sleek black SUV parked nearby, someone was watching her—intently.

Her instincts screamed danger. Glancing at the vehicle that set her nerves on edge, she forced herself to remain calm, unlocked her car, and slid behind the wheel.

She was still alive—so why hadn't they given up? Were they worried she'd uncovered something and now wanted to silence her? Or was she just being paranoid?

Elara buckled her seatbelt, took a steadying breath, and as she started the engine, she saw the SUV pull out in her rearview mirror.

Suppressing the rush of adrenaline, she eased her car into the flow of traffic.

She was supposed to head back to the hospital, but instead, she changed course and steered toward SiliconCrest Group.

The thought was clear and unshakable: Brian was there—he could keep her safe.

But as she crossed the first intersection, a collision blocked the road ahead.

The black SUV behind her sped up, closing the distance.

They're trying to stop me from reaching Brian, she realized.

She had no other choice. Swerving, she took a detour toward SiliconCrest, which meant she'd have to drive along the coastal highway.

With trembling hands, Elara accelerated and dialed Brian's number.

"The number you have reached is currently unavailable."

Her nails dug into the steering wheel, her mind blank with fear.

Brian's private line was never off. Unless—

As she raced to stay ahead of the SUV, she quickly scrolled for Yves Caldwell's contact.

He was in a meeting and took ages to answer.

Glancing in the mirror, Elara saw the SUV gaining on her from behind. She gripped the wheel tighter, her knuckles white.

Yves assumed she was calling to demand answers about Mr. Vincent's sudden disappearance.

Freezing, salty water rushed in with crushing force, flooding her mouth and nose, blurring her vision.

But at the same moment, the stranger seized her hand.

A surge of strength pulled her from the sinking car.

The next thing she knew, she broke through the surface, sunlight so bright she couldn't open her eyes.

She was hauled ashore, gasping.

"Mr. Lawrence…"

Someone hurried over, quickly handing a towel to the man who'd saved her.

Elara looked up—his soaked black shirt and trousers clung to him, outlining a frame of pure strength.

She didn't need to see his face or know his name. Just from the way he stood, there was an unmistakable air of nobility.