To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 278

Elara flushed a deep, furious red, caught off guard by his deliberately twisted words.

Zane raised an eyebrow, his tone infuriatingly casual as he added, “Relax. No need to thank me.”

“Oh, I’ll thank your whole family!” Elara shot back, grabbing another cushion from the sofa and hurling it at him.

Down in the gatehouse, Rose stood with the phone pressed to her ear, stunned for several seconds.

That voice on the other end was definitely not Brian’s.

Could there be another man with Elara?

Unable to hide her delight, Rose set the thermos down and practically skipped outside.

So they’re both playing the field? This just keeps getting better.

...

Upstairs, Elara sat on the edge of the couch, arms wrapped tightly around her stomach.

Zane glanced at his phone, a sense of unease creeping over him. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

Elara’s voice was barely a whisper. “I need to use the bathroom.”

His expression shifted. “Can you hold it? The housekeeper will be here soon.”

Elara dropped her gaze. “I... I don’t need your housekeeper.”

Zane opened his mouth to reply, but the doorbell rang.

Afraid he’d do something reckless, Elara quickly warned, “You’re not allowed to answer that.”

For once, Zane did as he was told and stayed put.

“Go hide in the bedroom,” Elara urged.

He frowned. “Am I not fit to be seen?”

Before she could answer, whoever was at the door grew impatient and started punching in the entry code.

Panic flickered in Elara’s eyes. “Just go to the bedroom, don’t say a word, don’t make a sound, and find a chance to slip out later.”

Zane paused, then complied.

“Elara, I only remembered after ringing the bell that your foot’s still healing—are you feeling any better?” Summer called out as she let herself in, carrying the thermos.

But he won’t be.

Elara lowered her eyes, her smile fading.

Summer didn’t notice, turning the conversation back to business. “I watched the press conference live. Who would have thought Hayden Everly would step up and testify against Gregory? He ought to be on Gregory’s side—unless he’s found someone with even more power to back him.”

Her voice shifted, becoming more cautious. “Elara, I don’t want to sound paranoid, but the timing is just too convenient. If Hayden’s aiming for more than just Brian, you need to be careful.”

Elara’s expression turned serious. “I’ve thought about it too. Once I’m back on my feet, I’ll go meet him myself.”

Summer’s eyes lit up mischievously. “And when you’re all healed, are you still going to keep seeing that big black rat?”

Elara gave her a faint, bittersweet smile. “Don’t forget—he has a family. There’s no future for us.”

Meanwhile, in the back seat of a Lincoln, Quincy Shelton glanced in the rearview mirror and turned on some music.

Zane snapped out of his daze. “You’re in a good mood?”

Quincy grinned. “Shouldn’t I be saying that to you, sir?”

Zane’s expression tightened, the smile fading from his lips. “What’s the status on Surplus’s background check?” he asked.