To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 23

Brian drew a deep breath.

Lina hurried to apologize.

"It's my fault. The housekeeper's new, and I was careless—I should've reminded him to double-check. I only found the problem tonight while sorting through old paperwork. He rushed to the hospital to tell me, and when I checked the courier info, I realized he'd used the address for Platinum Bay—and it's already been signed for. What should I do? What if Elara can read those documents?"

Elara was fluent in several languages; understanding those files would be no trouble for her.

Brian pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'll take care of it. You focus on your treatment and get well soon."

With that, he hung up.

—

Elara picked up her bag and headed for the door, her expression giving nothing away.

"Heading out, ma'am?" Mrs. Archer asked gently.

Elara nodded. She took a few steps, then paused and glanced back at her.

"You've worked for the Vincent family for years. I'm sure you know their ways better than someone who married in halfway like me, don't you?"

Mrs. Archer caught the undertone immediately and rushed to reply, "Ma'am, I'm just an employee."

Elara's voice was warm, but firm. "Grandma's getting on in years. You've always known your place. Whatever's happening between Brian and me is just a matter between the younger generation. Let's try not to trouble her with it, all right?"

Mrs. Archer nodded quickly. "The lady of the house never gave me any special instructions."

Whether or not that was true, Elara had made her position clear.

Brian had someone else in his heart; ending this marriage shouldn't be difficult. But with the old woman so stubborn, she'd have to act first and explain later.

"I'll be out for a bit. I won't be long."

But she'd barely been gone ten minutes when the phone in the living room rang.

"Where's Elara?" Brian's voice was clipped.

"Ma'am just stepped out," Mrs. Archer replied, puzzled by his urgency.

Back when he'd first taken over the company, the old guard used to rile him up so much he'd storm around the office. But ever since his marriage, Elara had tempered him, made him more resilient. Even if the board pushed his limits, he'd only retaliate quietly later—never showing his hand.

But this time…

Yves lowered his head. "She's always been decisive. Should we… take some action?"

If Elara really believed her husband was cheating and wanted a divorce, it would be the most expensive split in the country's history.

Brian steadied himself, voice cold and unreadable. "In this house, what she can and can't do is up to me. Understood?"

Yves caught on instantly.

…

Elara spent most of the day out, then returned to Platinum Bay to pack her things.

Mrs. Archer tiptoed to the bedroom door, hesitating in the hallway.

Without looking up, Elara spoke. "Mrs. Archer, I'm moving out. If I leave anything important behind, could you mail it to me? If it's not important, just throw it away, please."