To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 256

The woman gave a faint smile and stood up. “If you’re done talking, I’ll be on my way.”

Five minutes of performance and a $300 payout—no wonder that woman left with such a spring in her step.

Elara made her way to the parking lot, keys in hand, just about to open the car door when Jason slapped his palm down, holding it shut.

She turned to look at him, taking in the simmering anger on his face, and smirked. “Mr. Lawrence, are you upset because I bailed on our meeting?”

Jason didn’t explode, but the chill in his usually composed expression sent a clear message.

“You want to play games with me?” he said, voice low. “I hope you’re ready for the consequences.”

Elara arched an eyebrow. “So trying to ruin my reputation wasn’t your most ruthless move, Mr. Lawrence?”

Jason’s eyes narrowed a fraction, irritation flickering beneath his calm exterior. He loosened his tie, frustration mounting.

“So, letting me get close to you—was that just a setup for revenge?”

Elara didn’t bother to deny it. She nodded, straightforward as ever. “I should be flattered that Ignition Dynamics even caught your attention. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had a chance to get back at you. But—”

She paused deliberately, letting the silence hang between them.

“Getting your mother to cause you a little trouble? That’s nothing compared to the damage you did to me. But I’m not one to hold a grudge. We’re even now. If you want to work with Ignition Dynamics in the future, use the official channels.”

With that, she reached for the car door again.

This time, Jason let go.

“Elara, don’t come crying to me when you regret this!”

He turned on his heel and strode away, every line of his back radiating finality.

Elara felt nothing. When someone stops mattering, not even a ripple remains.

…

The crisis with Ryan and his mother was finally resolved.

Back at Ignition Dynamics, Elara was heading to change into her work clothes when Summer suddenly slipped her arm through Elara’s, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Still thinking about finding your real parents?”

Elara considered for a moment. “Honestly, not really.”

Summer stared at her. “… What if your parents are looking for you, but they just don’t know about the DNA search registry?”

Ellis hung up and turned his frosty gaze on Lina, seated across from him.

“You’re sure Brian’s been ignoring Elara so she’ll latch onto Zane, and you can pull him into your camp?”

The bruises on Lina’s face had faded, though her arms and legs were still marked—hence the long sleeves and trousers today.

“Lying to you does me no good. Unless Elara is out of the picture, you’ll never get your hands on the Vincent family fortune.”

Ellis slammed his hand on the table. “Do you know what kind of man Zane is? If you make him angry, you’ll pay the price.”

Lina stood up. “I’ll bet you anything—Elara and Zane are already entangled. If you keep dragging your feet, Brian will turn the tables on you.”

Ellis just shot her a warning glare this time.

“Don’t test me. I’ll know soon enough what’s between Elara and Zane. But if I find out you’re using me for murder again—”

He leaned back in his chair.

“…you know what happens next.”