To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 169

The next photo showed Elara and Ryan, their foreheads pressed together as she gently cradled his injured hand. The hospital room behind them was pale and sterile.

Brian's eyes darkened instantly as he took it in. But in the blink of an eye, that cold, knife-sharp look vanished, hidden as quickly as it had appeared.

…

Meanwhile, Elara was sitting in a car with that troublesome bird of a man beside her.

Jason glanced her way several times before finally speaking. "The fact that I'm here, picking you up right in front of Vincent Manor, should make it clear—I'm not afraid of Brian. You can trust that I mean what I say."

A faint, almost teasing smile played on Elara's lips. "You're only acting so bold because SiliconCrest Group is on shaky ground. Let's be honest, if Brian manages to hold the line this time, you'll back down just as quickly."

To outsiders, Jason was the kind of man who commanded a room. The eldest son of the Lawrence family, he'd clawed his way to the top of a ruthless family feud. For all his polished charm, the aura he carried was forged in blood and bitter struggle—enough to make anyone nearby feel the pressure of his presence.

Anyone, that is, except Elara, who seemed immune to his gravity.

Jason's gaze lingered on her, a tangle of emotions flickering across his features.

"You…" His voice was unusually hesitant. "Would you mind giving me a little respect, for once?"

Elara's smirk deepened, her left eyebrow arching. "You're the one who started with the insults."

Jason let out a low chuckle. "You know, you can be really mean."

She leaned against the car window, unconcerned. "I'm just a mirror for all of you."

If you're pure, I'll reflect that purity.

If you're dark, I'll show you nothing but ink.

Jason checked his watch. "It's almost noon. How about we grab a bite together?"

"Tell me, Mr. Lawrence," Elara replied, her answer hidden in her question, "what clever scheme do you plan to use to push me and Brian into a divorce this time?"

Jason thought for a moment. "I was going to have my brother take your case."

Elara gave a weightless laugh.

"What, not ready to face Brian yourself in court?"

She grinned. "I expected something more original. That's it? Don't worry about the lawyer—I'll represent myself."

She looked at his hairline, then said, "I need a strand of your hair. For a DNA test."

Ryan shot her a sharp glare. "Planning to team up with Jason against me?"

Elara froze, caught off guard.

Just then, a waiter came in with their food, and a stranger passing by glanced into the room. Instantly, Ryan's expression tightened, all ease gone.

"Jason's had me under surveillance for a while now," he said, voice low. "Anyone close to me is at risk. We should see less of each other from now on."

In that moment, Elara understood. A bastard son with no family to back him, fighting alone in the Lawrence family's den of wolves—every step he took was a step on thin ice.

Jason always had a secretary waiting outside the door. Ryan, she guessed, didn't even have a confidant to rely on.

"What's the point, really? Are you happy living like this?" Elara asked softly.

He ignored her question, pulling a card from his wallet and sliding it across the table. "Take this. If you ever run into trouble, you can use it."

Elara didn't take it. "We hardly know each other. You've already gotten hurt because of me, and now you're offering me money. Aren't you worried Jason might get the wrong idea?"