To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 148

"Have a seat."

Just two simple words, yet they seemed to acknowledge Lina's place at the table.

Wayne offered a pleasant smile. "I'm new to Kingston City and still getting my bearings. Mr. Vincent, you're in renewable energy. Miss Jules, you specialize in storage tech. You two should be working together, not at odds. Why can't we all just be friends?"

Brian snorted, tossing his napkin on the table. "If you want to make peace, at least act like it. This wine's not bad tonight," he added, glancing at Lina. "Pour me a few more glasses, will you?"

Lina blushed and smiled shyly. "Of course, Brian."

Catching on, Wayne turned to Elara. "Would you mind pouring?"

Elara stayed put, silent. Wayne lowered his voice. "I'm here in good faith to help smooth things over. You wouldn't want me to get all formal and business-like, would you?"

Elara pressed her lips together and stood up.

Throughout the meal, she ended up playing waitress, pouring drinks and clearing plates.

By the time several rounds of wine had gone by, Lina's cheeks were flushed, lending her a vulnerable, alluring look.

Wayne figured the time was right. "Mr. Vincent, about—"

Brian cut him off. "President Pangborn, you're new around here. I'd focus on what concerns you. Some things—and some people—aren't worth your effort. Don't waste your time on things that don't matter."

Wayne caught the hint and seemed genuinely pleased. "That's all I needed to hear, Mr. Vincent."

Elara set down the bottle and a towel. "Excuse me, I need to take a call."

Without waiting for a response, she walked out of the private room.

"Brian, I want to get something for this headache," Lina said quietly.

Brian nodded.

Out in the hallway, Elara texted Summer to come pick her up. As she turned, she found Lina standing behind her.

Elara could tell she'd followed her on purpose. "What's this about, Miss Winters?" she asked coolly.

Panicked at the thought of being blamed, the waiter quickly pointed at Elara. "It was her! She pushed her—I saw it!"

Even if Elara had a thousand tongues, she couldn't have talked her way out of this mess.

Brian's eyes turned cold as ice. "You're acting like a lunatic!"

With that, he swept Lina into his arms and, guided by the restaurant manager, carried her off to the back room to treat her burns.

A wave of absurdity crashed over Elara.

Who was really crazy here? Who was really blind?

"Miss Jules, your pants are ruined too. Why don't I—" Wayne said, his hand suddenly closing around her neck.

Elara tried to shove him away, but felt a sharp prick at her throat, and her body went limp.

Wayne caught her as she collapsed. "Let me help you get changed, sweetheart."