To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 224

“What’s your suggestion, then?” she asked.

Summer slid a folder across the table, its cover stamped with “Cryo-Titan Energy Group: Company Profile.”

“Honestly, the best fit would be Titan Freight, which is owned by SiliconCrest Group. Next in line is Quentin Heavy Industries. But I hold grudges, so I’m not considering either of them. As for this company, they spent the last few years developing overseas and only recently shifted operations back home.”

Elara nodded. “If you think they’re promising, then go ahead and reach out.”

Summer glanced at her watch. “You should probably head outside. Someone’s waiting to see you.”

“Who?” Elara asked, puzzled.

Summer jerked her chin toward the lobby. “Your Ryan. He came by yesterday afternoon and waited for you. Didn’t catch you, so he’s back again today. Maybe you want to give the Lawrence family a chance?”

Without another word, Elara hurried to reception.

Ryan sat in the lounge, flipping through a file. The overhead lights cast a glow over his sharp features, neat short hair, and those meticulously groomed brows.

For a split second, Elara felt disoriented. He was no longer Ryan Linden—he was the heir to the Lawrence family.

She steadied herself and took a seat in the armchair across from him.

Ryan stood up the moment he saw her, anxiety etched in his eyes as he scanned her for injuries. “I tried calling you, but that’s when I found out you blocked me. Are you hurt? Did he… did he force you?”

Elara didn’t answer directly. Instead, she lowered her voice and shot back, “Aren’t you worried the Lawrence family will find out you never actually lost your memory?”

Ryan slumped back into his chair, defeated. “If I hadn’t done it to save my grandfather, you never would’ve married Brian. I feel guilty about your whole marriage.”

“Ryan Linden is gone,” Elara replied, her tone as calm as if she were talking about the weather. “Ryan has nothing to feel guilty about.”

Ryan leaned forward, agitation creeping in. “Brian’s only dragging his feet with the divorce to make things hard for you. Elara, don’t waste any more time on him. Let me—”

He broke off, noticing Elara’s gaze shift to something behind him. Her face hardened.

Ryan followed her line of sight and his eyes widened in shock.

Lina stood there, watching Elara with a smirk. “Hope I’m not interrupting your date, sister-in-law?”

…

That evening, Elara dressed simply, grabbed the medical kit, and arrived at the hotel right on time.

Lina was already waiting at the entrance. When she saw Elara approach, she lifted her chin and said, “Tonight’s an exclusive event for leaders in next-gen energy research. My brother said you’d never get in without an invitation—so here I am, your personal escort.”

Elara caught the mockery in her tone and gave a small, knowing smile. “What’s the matter, Miss Winters? Failed to climb the ladder so now you’re working as a doorman?”

Lina’s pleasant mask nearly cracked.

She ground her teeth. “Don’t get cocky. Ingrid invited some of your old classmates tonight. Remember those girls who always ‘accidentally’ knocked your lunch tray over in the cafeteria?”

Memories flashed through Elara’s mind, and her eyes turned cold.

Lina saw the change and smiled. “After you, sister-in-law.”

On the third-floor glass corridor, Quincy Shelton was about to open the door to a private dining room when he caught sight of a familiar figure entering the lobby below. He hesitated, then turned to the man beside him, who was calmly adjusting his cufflinks. “Boss, you’re really not going to step in?”