To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 19

Elara felt as if her heart had been ripped open, each drop of blood a silent, relentless fall.

Gareth, ever eager to look good in front of his mother, seized the moment to curry favor.

"If it weren't for Nanette's connection with the bank manager's wife, we'd never have uncovered your true colors. God knows how long the Vincents would've been kept in the dark."

A flicker of darkness crossed Elara's eyes as she raised her hand. "What transaction records? Let me see them."

The butler, following a subtle nod from the matriarch, handed her the so-called "evidence."

Nanette snorted. "Don't bother playing tricks. Even if you tear it up, I'll just have the bank print another copy."

Elara's gaze landed on the document, stamped with the bank's official seal.

The transfer records were real, but she had no idea when this mysterious account had ever been opened in her name.

"The account number's wrong," she said, pointing at the record.

"Impossible!" Nanette snapped, stepping forward instinctively.

In a flash, Elara seized Nanette by the hair, and with her free hand grabbed a fruit knife from the coffee table, pressing it hard against Nanette's throat.

The room froze, stunned. Even the old lady rose unsteadily to her feet.

"Have you lost your mind?" Gareth shouted, furious.

A cold fire burned in Elara's eyes. "Did you really think you could frame me while I was caught off guard?"

"Dream on. Anyone comes closer, and I'll open her throat right here!"

Nanette's voice trembled. "Honey, help me…"

Gareth started to call for the bodyguards, but the matriarch narrowed her eyes. "Are you so eager to send your wife to her grave?"

Gareth faltered, suddenly powerless, hands hanging at his sides.

Now, with blood streaking her face, Nanette finally broke, wailing, "I'm sorry—it was me—"

"Enough!" A deep voice cut through the chaos as Brian burst in, Yves Caldwell at his side.

His gaze swept over the room, lingering on Nanette's bloodied face. He frowned. "I know it wasn't you, Elara. Let her go."

Elara's grip didn't falter; her eyes stayed sharp, watchful. She wasn't about to trust anyone—not even Brian.

Brian clenched his jaw, then nodded to Yves, who stepped forward and handed new documents to the matriarch.

Gareth, misunderstanding, thought Brian was trying to protect Elara. "Brian, I warned you last night—don't let some woman cloud your judgment! No matter how much you like her, you can't let her ruin the Vincent family's reputation. The evidence is clear as day—"

Brian cut him off, voice icy. "The transaction records are real. The account is in her name. But the application for that card was tampered with."

Gareth stared at him, stunned. "What are you saying?"

Brian's gaze was colder than winter. "That bank card was issued illegally. Neither the applicant nor the signature is hers. Nanette tried to frame my wife—she bribed the manager's wife with ten gold bars. The exchange happened at Nanette's own salon. There's no security footage, but the manager's wife confessed everything to her husband. He's facing losing his job, and they're scrambling to cover it up."