To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 295

SiliconCrest Group had recently expanded into the electric vehicle parts business.

Although Ellis had secured a seat on the board, he was still struggling to prove himself with tangible results. Gareth, ever the pragmatist, was eager to give his son a chance to shine.

During the vendor selection process, it was perfectly reasonable for the client to meet with two potential suppliers at the same time.

Steadying herself, Elara entered the private dining room alongside Summer, exchanging cordial greetings with the CEO of the other company.

Mr. Justice looked to be in his mid-forties, with a stocky build and a genial expression.

He promptly introduced Elara and Summer to Ellis and his father.

Gareth’s eyes were guarded as he sized up Elara.

Ellis, meanwhile, flashed her a sly, insincere smile and extended his hand. “So you’re the Director of Ignition Dynamics? I’ve heard a lot about you.”

A chill ran down Elara’s spine, though she kept her professional smile as she shook his hand.

His hand was cold as ice—almost lifeless.

Mr. Justice turned to Summer with a grin. “I’m a man who enjoys a good drink, so I thought we’d meet here. I hope you don’t mind, President Calloway.”

Summer replied smoothly, “Not at all, Mr. Justice. When you’re serious about a partnership, any place can be a boardroom.”

Mr. Justice beamed at her straightforwardness, then, along with his assistant, briefly outlined their procurement expectations and standards.

Summer sat beside Elara, whispering, “That’s Ellis, right?”

Elara gave a subtle nod.

Summer continued, “I met him when we were kids, because of my brother. Even then he looked like he was from another planet—now even more so.”

Elara didn’t take the bait, instead picking up a bottle of mineral water the waiter had just placed on the table and taking a sip.

While the assistant continued presenting, Mr. Justice chuckled and turned to Elara. “Not having a drink?”

Once the two women had left and the door had closed, Ellis’s sly grin could no longer be concealed.

He leaned in toward Mr. Justice, speaking as if confiding a secret. “Mr. Justice, Director Jules is talented, no question. But her private life is a little… ‘unrestrained.’ She doesn’t have the best reputation in our circles. I’m not trying to badmouth a competitor—just looking out for your company’s long-term interests. If any negative stories came out during the project, it could affect the timeline and your company’s reputation.”

To Ellis’s surprise, Mr. Justice didn’t seem put off at all—in fact, he looked intrigued. “Really? She seems rather aloof to me.”

Gareth gave a dismissive snort. “That’s just an act.”

Judging the time to be right, Ellis pulled out a small packet of powder.

“This dissolves instantly in water. After taking it, you won’t remember a thing, but your true colors will come out. And best of all, after twelve hours, there’s no trace of it left—nothing anyone could ever find. Try it, Mr. Justice, and you’ll see I’m not lying.”

Mr. Justice, no stranger to the seedier side of the business world, understood exactly what was happening the moment he saw the powder.

Gareth grinned from his seat. “Perfect, there are two of them, and you and your assistant make two as well. Once everything’s set, Ellis and I will make ourselves scarce and leave the rest of the evening to you gentlemen. How does that sound?”

Mr. Justice glanced at his assistant. The two had worked together for years—there was no reason to say no.