To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 225

“Who exactly are you talking about?”

Zane looked up at him, as if he genuinely had no idea who he meant.

Clearly, these two were never meant to cross paths.

Quincy Shelton’s lips twitched with a faint, self-deprecating smile. “Sorry. Must’ve mistaken you for someone else.”

……

Gregory’s private dinner party was being held in the hotel’s glass-domed ballroom.

Ingrid wore a white, low-cut evening gown, her arm looped through Brian’s as they made their way toward Gregory.

“Most of the guests tonight are either former students of my dad’s, or big names in renewable energy research. The moment word got out that he was hosting this private dinner, everyone was scrambling to get an invite,” Ingrid said, lifting her chin with pride.

“After all, being recognized by my father is the real mark of accomplishment in this field.”

Brian just let out a short laugh, making no effort to respond.

The smile faded from Ingrid’s lips. This whole event was organized for him—did he still not think she’d done enough to show her sincerity?

“Dad, we’re here,” Ingrid called out to Gregory’s back.

Gregory was chatting with a small circle of guests, but turned around immediately, beaming. “Brian, come here! I want to introduce you to someone.”

He gestured to a young man standing at the front of the group. “Hayden here is my most outstanding student. To him, the heavy-duty truck batteries released by Ignition Dynamics are child’s play.”

Brian’s gaze fell on Hayden, who merely inclined his head in a curt nod—a bare minimum of greeting.

Ingrid leaned in to whisper in Brian’s ear, “He’s got a bit of a superiority complex. Only listens to my dad. No one else could ever poach him away.”

Brian caught the underlying message and gave a little half-smile, unreadable.

Just then, Lina appeared.

“Hey, she’s here to change your bandages.”

She nodded discreetly toward the edge of the room.

There stood Elara, dressed plainly and carrying a medical kit, looking utterly out of place among the sea of glittering gowns and sharp tuxedos.

Ingrid gasped theatrically. “Oh, come on! A little harmless fun between a man and a woman—how can you be so disgusted? Are you frigid or something?”

Elara shot her a look, arching an eyebrow. “Between a married couple, sure, it’s called fun. What you two are doing? That’s just sleazy. Or to put it bluntly—animal behavior.”

Ingrid bristled. “Only a useless woman can’t compete as the other woman.”

Elara shrugged. “Don’t worry, no one’s fighting you for the ‘mistress’ title. Wear it proudly.”

With that, she headed for the door.

Infuriated, Ingrid moved to chase after her, but Brian pulled her back, laughing softly. “Why waste your energy on a block of wood?”

Ingrid’s anger melted away at once. “You’re always so sweet. One day I’ll bring Hayden Dunn over to your company for a visit.”

Brian offered her another unreadable smile.

The door opened. Ingrid clung to Brian’s arm, shooting Lina a meaningful look as they stepped out. Lina nodded almost imperceptibly.

She led Elara through the ballroom, but before Elara could reach the exit, several elegantly dressed men and women in tailored suits and designer gowns stepped in to block her way.