To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 182

Elara switched tactics.

Stella Knightley's teeth were chattering; she couldn't even look at her.

"I slipped something into a few glasses of champagne, then shoved one into your hand during the chaos. Everything was going according to plan, but then a man barged in and ruined it. Please, just let me go—I need to warn my parents to move out as soon as possible."

Elara let out a cold laugh. "Tell me about this person—man or woman, and how old?"

That much, she could say.

"A woman. Really thin, looked sick, maybe in her fifties, but I think she's only in her forties."

Still Nanette?

Elara didn't like that answer.

Lina always managed to keep her own hands clean. That kind of innocence was terrifying.

"Stella Knightley." Elara met her gaze, eyes unwavering. "I know exactly who she is and what she's capable of. Even if your parents move, it won't save you. There's only one way out."

"What should I do?" A flicker of hope lit in Stella's desperate eyes.

"Elara's voice was calm but firm. "She only has power over you because of her husband's influence. If you deal with her husband, not only will you and your parents be safe, you'll even get enough money for your mother's treatment."

Stella hesitated, biting her lip. "Alright. Tell me what to do!"

Suppressing a smile, Elara turned to Ryan. "Can you find out where Gareth is?"

Ryan's eyes darkened for a moment. "No problem."

A little while later, the two of them left the room, one after the other, leaving Stella Knightley behind.

Elara walked briskly, but Ryan's long strides kept up easily.

"Are you about to say ‘everything's changed'?" Elara asked, glancing sideways at him.

Ryan didn't answer at first. They walked in silence for a stretch before he suddenly asked, "How did you get through these four years?"

Elara stopped abruptly, her gaze sharpening. "Is that Ryan asking, or Ryan Linden?"

"I…"

Ryan tried several times to speak the truth, but the words died on his lips.

He still wouldn't admit he was Ryan Linden.

The woman, in heels sparkling with diamond accents, was heading for the elevator when she spotted Ryan and abruptly changed course.

"Showing up to work at this hour?" Her chin lifted, her tone sharp and accusing.

"I had to step out for a bit, that's all," Ryan replied.

She looked him up and down, scrutinizing every detail.

"Don't forget—every dollar you earn at Blackstar, you're earning for my son."

"Yes, Mother."

So this was the wife of Blackstar Technologies' chairman.

"From now on, you're to use the side entrance only. And take the service elevator—no more front lobby for you. The Lawrence family doesn't keep freeloaders. Come back when you've proven your worth."

"Yes, Mother." Ryan remained perfectly respectful.

Then Mrs. Lawrence's gaze sharpened, suddenly wary.

"And who is this?" She turned her attention to Elara. "Your friend?"