To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 248

Elara studied Ingrid for a moment, realizing she wasn’t cut out to be anyone’s pawn—she was far better suited to being a blade.

So Elara simply smiled and said, “Well then, I wish you luck climbing the ladder. My friend’s waiting for me, so I’ll take my leave.”

She headed back to the private dining room just as Zane finished his phone call.

“Still hungry?” he asked, glancing up.

Elara hesitated, then asked, “The signing ceremony for Ignition Dynamics’ new heavy-duty battery project—is your schedule open for that?”

Zane arched an eyebrow. “You say you can’t stand me, but want me there anyway. Is contradiction just a woman thing?”

Elara closed her eyes for a second, pushing down the urge to argue.

“Forget I said anything. Thanks for the ointment. This meal’s on me.”

That way, they’d be even—no debts, no reason to see each other again.

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked out, not a trace of reluctance in her step.

Zane started after her, only to nearly bump into Gregory leaving the room.

Gregory gave him a sycophantic grin. “Mr. Lawrence, what a coincidence!”

Zane said nothing, expression unreadable.

A little while later, Quincy Shelton called Zane.

He sounded genuinely concerned. “Having dinner together should’ve cleared the air, right? Did Miss Jules give you her hair?”

Zane pressed his lips together, silent.

Quincy quickly caught on and grew anxious. “How about we just grab her and take a blood sample? Cut to the chase.”

Zane shot him a look. “How long have you worked for me?”

Quincy thought about it. “Ten years and three months.”

Zane shook his head. “After ten years, how do you still act like a street thug? Yanking hair—that’s what old ladies in grocery store lines do. We’re professionals. There’s a standard to uphold.”

Suitably chastened, Quincy nodded.

“Oh, right—about that EdgeStone Corporation acquisition. Their chairman’s changed his mind again. The old fox wants to play both sides.”

Zane glanced at him coolly. “Then find someone to take him out for drinks. Make sure he learns firsthand what happens to people who get too greedy.”

Quincy paused, then protested, “Boss, I thought we were being civilized?”

Zane frowned. “I’m teaching you business strategy, and you’re lecturing me on manners?”

Ignition Dynamics was now on everyone’s radar.

Summer lifted a glass of champagne, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

Elara rested a hand on her shoulder, steadying her.

It was as if to say: No matter what storms come, as long as they stand together, they’ll make it through.

Brian, looking healthier than he had in days, sat in the audience and gazed up at Elara.

She’d once done the same for him, said the very same words when he’d been at his lowest.

Four years. How had things changed so much between them in just four years?

Lost in thought, Brian didn’t notice Lina sneaking up behind him.

“Brian, the reception’s next, but your doctor said no alcohol. The ceremony’s done—how about we head out?”

He nodded.

As he stood, Lina instinctively reached out to steady him.

At that moment, Elara’s voice called from behind, “VP Vincent, Mrs. Vincent—leaving so soon?”