To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 198

Gareth strode in, surveying the room before heading to the dining area.

When he spotted Elara, he sneered. "Weren't you the one insisting on a divorce? And now, just to get your mother-in-law thrown in jail, you come crawling back to my son's bed. Elara, you really do want to have your cake and eat it too."

Before Elara could respond, Brian spoke quietly to her. "You should go."

There was no need to guess why Gareth had come.

Elara had just finished her meal anyway.

She grabbed her purse and started out, irritation simmering beneath her calm. After only a few steps, she turned back, fixing Gareth with a cold stare.

"The men of the Vincent family really do have a talent for playing the devoted husband in public, while chasing every skirt in private. So, Mr. Gareth, are you here today to discuss with your son whether you should frame the word ‘shameless' and hang it in the family hall for future Vincents to admire?"

Gareth's face went pale with rage. "Brian, look at her—"

Elara snorted and walked off without another word.

Brian's voice was cool and even. "If you're here about Nanette… I was there last night. If I'd wanted to intervene, no one could have taken her away."

The meaning wasn't lost on Gareth.

"So you're really going to turn against me over a woman?" Gareth's voice trembled with anger.

Brian raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it you who's driving a wedge between us, Father?"

Gareth bristled. "What are you implying?"

Brian's tone remained calm. "How could Nanette have gotten someone into The Serpentine Club without help? The way she torments people—didn't someone teach her, with your approval?"

Gareth blurted, "You think I'd ever let Ellis teach her something like that?"

Brian pressed his lips together, his gaze icy and sharp.

Suddenly, Gareth seemed to lose his confidence, his bravado crumbling.

"You know I've wronged your aunt. It's only natural I spoil her a little."

"This fitting room was reserved for Miss Jules. How can we give it to her?" the manager said, looking troubled.

The sales assistant wrung her hands anxiously. "But this whole mall is owned by SiliconCrest Group. If we offend someone connected to Mr. Vincent, our store could be in trouble…"

Elara leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers idly on the armrest.

The manager approached, apologetic. "Miss Jules, we have a guest who'd like to use this room. Would you mind—"

Elara cut him off with a half-smile, her tone cool. "If she's Mr. Vincent's woman, I'd love to curry a bit of favor. Let her in."

The manager hesitated for a moment, then nodded and left to carry out her request.

Lina clearly hadn't expected to run into Elara here. She paused in the doorway, taken aback.

Elara's lips curled into a faint smile, though her eyes remained icy.

"Such refined taste, Miss Winters. Your mother's still sitting in a cell, and here you are, shopping for new clothes. You must have nerves of steel."