To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 280

Horace paused for a moment, then grinned. “Someone’s been craving a little indulgence, but he’s weighed down by guilt. A friend asked me to talk some sense into him.”

Elara caught on immediately, half teasing as she replied, “Well then, Dr. Morgan, make sure you steer him toward the straight and narrow.”

Horace nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”

They parted ways in the hallway.

When Horace returned to the private lounge, Quincy Shelton was nowhere to be seen—only Zane remained in his seat.

“Did the beautiful woman from earlier not catch your eye?” Horace asked.

Zane’s gaze darkened just a shade. “Are you two close?”

Horace understood he meant Elara and decided to play coy, flashing a grin. “That’s personal. Can’t really say.”

A smirk played at Zane’s lips as he gave Horace’s shoulder a solid, friendly slap. “Come on, let’s drink. No leaving until we’re good and drunk tonight.”

…

Elara rounded the hallway corner and nearly collided with Hayden Everly—and Lina.

The two of them walked side by side, clearly on familiar terms.

The sight jolted Elara. Hayden Everly and Lina together? She hadn’t seen that coming.

There was no way to avoid them, so her mind raced for an escape plan. Luckily, her ankle was still sore. She took a couple of steps and stumbled, steadying herself against the wall.

Lina, spotting her, instinctively put some distance between herself and Hayden.

Before Hayden could even greet Elara, he saw her about to fall and rushed over to steady her. “Are you okay?”

Elara regained her balance and brushed off his hand. “Oh, it’s you, Hayden. Can’t believe I run into you here of all places. Just my luck.”

Hayden’s expression shifted. Noticing Lina had already walked off, he figured Elara hadn’t seen anything suspicious. “Come on, Elara, I already cut ties with Brian for you. Why are you still so hostile?”

Elara shot back, “And what, exactly, do you expect from me?”

Hayden glanced around, then pulled open the door to an empty lounge and ushered her inside.

“Look, I know you hate Brian. I can help you get back at him.”

Elara let out a short, skeptical laugh. “You’ve worked so hard to cozy up to him. You’re really willing to throw it all away?”

Hayden straightened his slightly rumpled suit jacket. “Brian’s just a stepping stone in my career path. You provide the tech, I’ll take him down. A fair partnership. Why say no?”

Elara considered this. “If he’s just a stepping stone, then what’s your real goal?”

The next day was July 13th on the lunar calendar—a traditional day for visiting loved ones’ graves.

Lina went to Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.

She wasn’t there to pay respects to Nanette Winters, but to find someone.

At last, she spotted Rose standing among a row of headstones. Suppressing her excitement, Lina approached.

“Aunt Rose, do you remember me?”

Rose hesitated. “You are…?”

Lina smiled. “I’m a relative of the Vincent family.”

Rose’s face cleared with understanding, but she apologized. “I’m just Elara’s adoptive mother. I haven’t really kept up with the Vincents, so I don’t know many of you.”

Lina sighed. “Actually, my cousin’s health is getting worse every day. If his wife could find someone better to rely on…”

She paused intentionally, giving a meaningful little cough.

“For instance, that gentleman from the Lawrence family in Capital City—well, I’d actually support her moving on. A woman has to look out for herself, don’t you think?”