To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 281

Rose Linden’s gaze gradually shifted to one of disbelief.

“The Lawrences? You mean the Lawrence family—the ones who claim third in Kingston City, and aside from Brian Vincent, nobody even dares to say they’re second?”

Lina nodded. “What, your adopted daughter never told you any of this?”

Rose immediately covered her mouth, chuckling. “Oh, I’m sure she wanted to—but when has luck ever sided with her? Marrying Brian was already aiming high; she has to shoulder all the dirty laundry of the Vincents, like it or not.”

At this point, Rose leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially.

“Your cousin, honestly, would eat anything if you put it on a plate—he’d even go for leftovers nobody else would touch. My Elara can’t stand how filthy he is, but even after the divorce, she can’t seem to shake him off. Isn’t that infuriating?”

Lina had to fight to keep her composure from cracking.

Rose seemed to realize she’d gone too far and paused, forcing an apologetic smile. “Honey, I hope I didn’t offend you just now?”

“Not at all.” Lina managed a strained smile.

Rose brightened, taking it as encouragement. “And that stepsister of his… I’ve never met a woman so utterly shameless. She treats family boundaries like some kind of twisted game. Those two are perfect for each other—let’s just hope they stay locked up together and spare the rest of us the sight. Don’t you agree?”

Lina couldn’t bear it any longer. “Mrs. Linden, I need to visit my mother’s grave. I’ll be going now. Let’s catch up another time.”

She didn’t wait for a response and hurried off, disappearing among the rows of headstones.

As soon as Lina’s figure vanished, Rose’s smile grew even wider.

“You little snake. Think I can’t see through you? If you think you can hurt my Elara, you’ve got another thing coming.”

……

Elara Jules didn’t arrive at the cemetery until later that afternoon.

She placed a bouquet of white lilies in front of Gage’s headstone, and as she straightened up, she spotted Ryan Lawrence standing a few yards away.

She didn’t bother with pleasantries—just offered him a chilly smile. “Didn’t you decide to leave a couple of days ago? Or did you suddenly get sentimental about your father?”

Ryan said, “Don’t have anything to do with Jason anymore. The Lawrences aren’t a family you want to get mixed up with.”

Elara glanced back at him. “Don’t worry, there’s nothing the Lawrences have that I want. Not even their people.”

Ryan fell silent.

By the time Elara returned to Ignition Dynamics, it was nearly six.

Summer Calloway came looking for her, invitation card in hand.

“Blackstar Technologies is unveiling their new smart home system at the Convention Center tomorrow,” Summer explained. “They’re setting up full-scale demo rooms, and they invited Ignition Dynamics. But I have to meet with a client, so I can’t go. Could you represent us instead?”

Elara took the invitation. “You always have a client at just the right time.”

“I swear it’s legit!” Summer laughed, giving her a quick hug. “Who managed to put that smile back on your face, Elara?”

Elara let out a long breath and leaned against her. “Trying to live like a normal person…it’s harder than it looks.”