To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 147

"We're both project leads at Ignition Dynamics—can't we discuss this together?" Summer asked.

"I already said the problem was your fault. What makes you think you're qualified to negotiate with me?"

Summer fell silent, the words dying on her lips.

Wayne fixed his gaze on Elara, something inscrutable flickering in his eyes. "You had the nerve to impersonate one of my employees, but you're too scared to talk to me alone?"

Elara glanced around the open office, then nodded. "Alright."

Wayne called for his driver, and Elara felt a tiny bit of relief. At least he wasn't insisting on complete privacy.

She started to climb into the front passenger seat, but Wayne, ever the gentleman, politely insisted she sit in the back with him.

"President Pangborn, if you'd just take a moment to understand what Ignition Dynamics—" Elara began.

Wayne cut her off with a shake of his head. "We both know perfectly well why your line of credit was pulled. There's no need for the usual formalities."

Elara's words stalled. Did everyone in Kingston City have to dance to Brian's tune?

Lost in thought, she suddenly felt someone brush her hair away from her ear. She jerked back instinctively, eyes wide as she stared at Wayne.

Unfazed, Wayne pulled out a wet wipe and cleaned his hands. "If you really were my employee, Miss Jules, I'd have docked half your paycheck by now."

Elara smoothed her now-tousled hair, unsure when it had become so messy. "I'm sorry. Your bank's loan is very important to us."

Wayne tossed the wipe, reclining against the seat. "I know. That's why I'm helping you."

Elara's confusion deepened, but before she could ask, the car rolled to a stop outside a shopping mall.

"You can't go to dinner with me dressed like that, Miss Jules," Wayne said.

"President Pangborn, I'm here to discuss business—not to be your dinner companion."

Wayne's lips curled into a sly, unreadable smile. "I said I was helping you. Did you misunderstand me?"

Elara hesitated for a moment, then stepped out of the car.

Thankfully, Wayne didn't follow her. If he had, she'd have doubted his intentions even more.

She texted Summer, letting her know she'd be having dinner with Wayne and to keep her phone close. Then she picked out an outfit more in line with her own style and returned to the car.

He strode toward the restaurant. Elara hurried to catch up.

Inside the private dining room, Brian was sipping a cup of cold medicine. When he finished, he handed the cup to Lina.

Elara paused, surprised, then followed Wayne inside.

"Sorry we're late, Mr. Vincent—traffic was a nightmare," Wayne apologized.

Brian barely looked up. "I just got here myself."

Lina seemed flustered. "My brother forgot his medicine. I was just dropping it off—I'll be on my way."

Wayne smiled. "Isn't it sweet how Mr. Vincent and his wife still call each other ‘brother' and ‘sister'? I actually wanted to get to know Mr. Vincent over dinner, but since Mrs. Vincent is here too, let's all eat together."

Lina blushed at being called "Mrs. Vincent" again, especially with Brian's real wife present. She opened her mouth, but thought better of it and lowered her head, embarrassed.

Brian glanced at Elara, noting how she avoided his gaze and made no effort to correct the misunderstanding. His eyes darkened.

Fine. If she hated being called "Mrs. Vincent" so much, he'd make sure the title stuck.