To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 199

Lina swiftly adopted an air of humility, bowing her head.

"Sis, it was my brother who insisted I come pick out something new—he said all my clothes were worn out. You know how it is; back in Aalborg, I never wore anything but the latest styles each season."

Elara heard the subtle brag in Lina's words but kept her expression calm. "So, what did you pick? Let me see what's in vogue."

"Of course."

With a dainty step, Lina drew closer and handed over her tablet.

"It's nothing, just a few pieces—barely a couple hundred thousand. My brother won't blame me for being thrifty, will he?"

Before she could finish, Elara suddenly grabbed her by the collar and yanked her forward.

Caught off guard, Lina crashed to her knees, the tablet skittering across the floor.

"Sis…" Her voice trembled.

The manager exchanged a quick glance with the staff, signaling everyone to stay put.

Elara leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper in Lina's ear. "Still planning to use your mother as your pawn?"

A chill shot through Lina's veins.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Elara's grip tightened.

"Don't bother pretending. You'll do anything to marry Brian—I won't expose you, I'll even help you. After all, a scoundrel and a schemer deserve each other."

With that, she shoved Lina hard, sending her sprawling.

Lina's chest heaved, but she didn't dare break character and lash out.

Elara straightened, speaking in a normal tone. "This Mrs. Vincent title means nothing to me. Whoever wants it can have it. But if you can't win a man's heart on your own and have to use me as your stepping stone… just remember—your mother's fate will be yours."

She strode out of the fitting room.

The manager and sales staff exchanged uneasy looks.

So the one who swaggered in here was the mistress. Good thing they hadn't crossed the real lady of the house.

Lina burned with humiliation, fury slamming around her chest until she could taste iron at the back of her throat—yet she forced it down.

If Brian found out, Gareth would soon know as well.

In the past, Elara would have discussed everything with Brian.

But this past month, she'd seen the real faces behind the Vincent family's masks.

She'd given her all for people who never truly saw her as one of them. Why should she care about their secrets now?

"Mrs. Archer, I'm already grateful you agreed to the DNA test. Don't worry—I won't tell Brian. As for you and Gareth, that's between you two. I won't interfere, and what happens to the child is your decision. For now, focus on your health—but I'd suggest you transfer to another hospital."

Mrs. Archer understood. In Harmony General, secrets never stayed hidden for long.

By the time Elara left, it was nearly midnight.

The morning's memory—Gareth visiting Platinum Bay—still gnawed at her.

She couldn't let Nanette get away with this.

Running through her mental list of connections, she finally dialed a number.

Ryan was nearly asleep, but when he saw her name flash on the screen, he sat bolt upright.