To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 144

Nanette's carefully woven golden brocade gown had been torn to shreds—her dignity unraveling just as swiftly.

Not even Gareth was spared ridicule; his supposed kindness became the butt of jokes.

For years, Nanette had lorded it over the other ladies at every social gathering. But now, with her scandal splashed across the news, those same women who once fawned over her wasted no time severing ties. Some blocked her entirely, others mocked her openly.

A few even took to group chats to deliver thinly disguised jabs:

"Mrs. Vincent, I hear your massage technique is simply legendary. When will you grace us with your talents?"

"Oh please, Mrs. Vincent only offers her exclusive services to certain VIPs. She'd never bother with the likes of you."

The humiliation sent Nanette's blood pressure through the roof. No medication could calm her fury. That same night, she was rushed to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Gage's hospital room felt like a different world—warm and peaceful.

Rose had gone home for the evening, leaving Elara to keep vigil. She helped Gage take his blood pressure medication and straightened his hospital gown, her touch gentle.

"Why let yourself get dragged down by people like that?" she said quietly. "Nanette's venom has no cure. You should eat well, rest, and live a good long life—let her choke on her own envy."

Her grandfather chuckled, the tension leaving his brow.

"Seems my granddaughter has grown shrewd during her years with the Vincents. You've learned to look after yourself. That puts my mind at ease."

But Elara fell silent at his words, her thoughts drifting.

She had suffered plenty in the Vincent family, but she'd always told herself it was for Brian, for the so-called greater good. In truth, it was only ever for love that she'd chosen to endure, to give way.

But she had no love left for Brian now. And as for Nanette—if she still refused to learn her lesson, she shouldn't be surprised when Elara stopped holding back.

She was lost in thought when the door was kicked open with a bang.

Gareth stormed in, rage written all over his face. His hand shot out and slapped her hard across the cheek.

Elara didn't want Gareth causing any more harm, so she headed for the door.

But Gareth, thinking she was trying to run from responsibility, grabbed her by the collar.

"What's this? You send my wife to the hospital and think you can just walk away without a word of apology? Let me tell you, not even groveling on your knees will make this right!"

The monitor's alarm echoed in Elara's chest, each beep a stab of anxiety.

She gripped Gareth's wrist, her voice low and cold. "Don't contaminate my grandfather's room. If you want to yell, let's do it somewhere else."

Seeing her so unruffled only fueled Gareth's rage. He shoved her aside; Elara crashed into a nurse's cart, scattering medicine and glass across the floor.

The room descended into chaos.

"Gareth!" she shouted, her composure shattering—anger, hot and raw, finally breaking through the surface.