To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 190

The low murmur of the businessmen's whispers prickled across Elara's back like a swarm of needles. Their glances flicked toward her—part curiosity, part disdain, as if she were some strange specimen on display.

The handful of businesswomen present, on the other hand, kept their distance, their faces icy with indifference.

Summer scowled, her voice low and sharp. "You'd think people of this stature would have a little more sense. How can they be so quick to judge, so eager to believe every rumor they hear?"

Elara lowered her gaze. "In this male-dominated corporate world, any slip in a woman's reputation is blown wildly out of proportion. Don't be fooled by their polite banter—behind the scenes, they're always ready to take down the competition."

Ever since Ignition Dynamics had made a name for itself with breakthrough technology, they'd become a threat—someone to watch, someone to discredit. So these so-called "scandals" swirling around Elara were nothing more than ammunition, twisted and used as a weapon against her.

"Maybe you should just leave for now," Summer offered quietly, not wanting Elara to suffer any further humiliation.

Elara's lips curled into a faint smile. "If I walk away now, isn't that exactly what some of them want?"

"You're right. We're here for President Lawrence, not these people. Let's not give them the satisfaction."

Summer steered her toward the drinks table, pouring a glass of orange juice and passing it over. "Stay away from the alcohol—just have this."

Elara reached out to take the glass, but suddenly, a cold splash soaked her shoes. She looked up to see a woman in her fifties with cropped hair, chin lifted in a smirk. "Oops. My mistake," the woman said, her tone anything but apologetic.

"It's fine," Elara replied, her voice calm and poised, refusing to rise to the bait.

"I can send you a decent pair of shoes—on the condition you leave now. This event loses its class with you here," the woman added, not bothering to lower her voice.

Zane Lawrence and his secretary were approaching, drawing everyone's attention.

Finally, someone who could restore order.

Summer felt a surge of hope, but Elara just shook her head softly.

"Mr. Lawrence," CEO Shepherd greeted him with a nod. "I had no idea a company like Ignition Dynamics would be invited to this gathering. I have always held firm against those who lack integrity. If we've disturbed your guests, I apologize."

Zane's gaze drifted across the room, cold and impassive. When his eyes passed over Elara, he didn't pause for even a heartbeat.

A faint, inscrutable smile tugged at his lips. "For any entrepreneur, integrity matters more than ability. When your reputation collapses, so does your credibility. It's good to see everyone here standing up for what's right."