To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 214

Zane took a few gentlemanly steps back, but the smirk on his face was unmistakably mocking. “So, the great detective’s too scared to barge in—looks more like a guilty conscience to me. Impressive.”

Elara’s cheeks flushed with nerves and annoyance. “Had enough fun at my expense, Mr. Lawrence?” she shot back.

Zane lifted an eyebrow, his expression almost amused. “You’re hardly a spectacle. At best, you’re just a turtle hiding in its shell.”

It wasn’t the first time Zane had taken jabs at her, so Elara managed to hold her ground.

“Men who gossip this much probably have some kind of hormone imbalance. Maybe you should see an endocrinologist, before your kidneys give out from all that pent-up energy.”

She spun on her heel, intent on heading down the stairs and leaving, but Zane blocked her path with an outstretched arm.

“The lights are all out here. One wrong step, and you’re liable to lose the baby—don’t want that, do you?”

Baby?

For a split second, Elara froze, then remembered—he still thought she was pregnant after that misunderstanding the other day.

A laugh broke from her lips. “My, Mr. Lawrence, you’re awfully invested in my womb. Could it be you’re worried about your own prospects, so you’re looking to adopt someone else’s child?”

Zane’s eyes darkened for a moment before he slipped back into his usual nonchalance.

“With imagination like yours, Miss Jules, you really missed your calling as a screenwriter.”

He withdrew his arm with deliberate ease, turned, and pulled out his phone. The beam from his flashlight cut through the gloom, illuminating the stairwell.

Then, Zane stepped aside, holding the light steady so it shone a few inches in front of Elara’s feet.

“If you want to get out of here safely, follow me.”

...

In the restaurant corridor, Jason stepped out of the private dining room and addressed Gregory, who was loitering nearby. “Since everyone seems to have other commitments, why don’t we wrap things up for today? On behalf of my uncle, thank you for Professor Goldsmith’s hospitality.”

Gregory, more than happy to end the evening early, quickly agreed. “Of course, of course. Sorry for any shortcomings tonight. I’ll be sure to catch up with Mr. Lawrence another time.”

As Jason walked away, Brian emerged from the restroom a moment later, followed unsteadily by Ingrid.

Gregory did a double take before approaching with a courteous smile. “Mr. Vincent, Mr. Lawrence and his nephew have already left.”

Brian asked, “And my wife?”

Gregory scolded, “If you’re serious about marrying a man like Brian, you shouldn’t be seen in places like that. He won’t like it.”

Ingrid just kept walking, calling back, “Once I marry him, I’ll be pure as the driven snow.”

…

Out in the manor’s parking lot, a Lincoln L5 rolled slowly toward the gate, only to be stopped by a security guard.

Brian strode over and rapped lightly on the rear window.

The window slid down, revealing Zane’s face.

Jason was at the wheel, with Elara seated beside him.

“Mr. Lawrence, what a gentleman you are—personally chauffeuring my wife home. But since I’m here, there’s no need for you and your nephew to trouble yourselves further.”

Zane’s smile was cool. “I’m not giving you a ride, so you don’t need to thank me.”

Brian’s smile faded. “Step out with me for a word?”