To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 292

Dowager Felice Vincent was half-reclined on the chaise lounge. The moment she saw Elara enter, she made to sit up.

Elara hurried over and adjusted the pillows behind her. “Please, ma’am, just lie back and rest.”

It hadn’t been that long since she’d last visited, but Felice looked far less spirited than before. The old woman’s trademark vigor seemed to have faded.

Felice let out a weary sigh. “At my age, I’ve long since made my peace with life and death. The only reason I hold on is because I can’t let go—not yet. All those old guards who built this company alongside my late husband—Brian’s treated them well enough since taking over. But the minute Gareth made a few remarks, they turned their backs and pledged themselves to Ellis instead. Brian’s in a terrible spot right now.”

Elara’s expression didn’t flicker. She gave Felice’s hand a gentle pat.

“Brian’s capable. He’ll find a way through this. Please focus on your health.”

Felice turned her gaze, sharp eyes searching Elara’s face. “Oh? You still haven’t lost your faith in him after all this?”

Elara sensed a trap in the question. She replied carefully, “You chose Brian as your successor with your own hands. If you don’t trust him, who will?”

Felice’s mouth twisted in a rueful smile. “He’s always been a good boy—too good, perhaps. He grew up believing the family legacy was more important than anything else. That’s how misunderstandings happen, especially with you.”

Elara said nothing.

Felice watched her for a moment, then pressed on, “Elara, I know you still care for Brian. He’s never said a word to me, but I can see it—the situation with that other woman isn’t at all what you think. Please, forgive him. Will you?”

She reached over, clasping Elara’s hand.

“Ma’am,” Elara answered calmly, “even if this is my second marriage, with the Vincent family’s standing, Brian could have his pick of any number of well-bred women—far more accomplished than me. There’s no need for you to insist on me.”

Felice straightened up with surprising agility, her back ramrod-straight and eyes sharp as ever.

Her expression darkened. “She really is going to make a move against Brian.”

John’s brows knitted. “Then we have to warn him—he’s already over his head dealing with Gareth, Ellis, and those stubborn old men at the company. If his wife stabs him in the back too, he’s finished!”

Felice shook her head. “Brian won’t believe it. Even if he does, he’ll just let her do as she pleases.”

A look of alarm dawned in John’s eyes as he caught her meaning.

“You mean… we strike first, before she does?”