To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 298

The business card was from Ryan; he’d given it to her originally as a way to meet Nanette. Elara hadn’t expected it to come in handy a second time.

The assistant’s gaze locked onto the card, recognition flickering in his eyes.

No one in their circle was unfamiliar with the Aurora Society.

After studying the president’s signature, the assistant turned away, pulling out his phone to report in.

A minute later, he returned.

“Miss Jules, Mr. Justice says you can go up alone.”

Summer opened her mouth to protest, but Elara caught her arm, holding her back.

“Wait for me in the parking lot,” Elara said quietly.

Summer read the warning in her eyes, lips pressed into a thin line. She nodded.

“If you’re not out in half an hour, I’m calling the police.”

The assistant rolled his eyes from the side.

When they reached Mr. Justice’s office, the assistant stayed behind.

Inside, Hancock Justice was alone.

He clearly loved his drink; even during work, a glass of whiskey sat within reach.

“Miss Jules, you really are resourceful. No one from the Vincent family is ever easy to deal with—though surely you don’t think a simple business card is enough for me to show you any special consideration?”

Elara caught the thinly veiled resentment in his tone, but she didn’t bother to appease him. “I’m not here for favors, Mr. Justice. I’m just asking you to withdraw your false allegations against Ignition Dynamics.”

A fake smile curled across Hancock’s pudgy face. “Careful with your words. That so-called evidence came straight from Mr. Vincent himself. I’m just the messenger.”

“I’ll tell the regulatory board… that I can’t remember what happened last night.”

“No.” Elara pressed a finger firmly on the evidence bag. “I want you to say, in your own words, that it was all a misunderstanding.”

Hancock’s eyes flashed with anger, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. “Absolutely not. I won’t do anything to damage my own reputation. Don’t push me.”

Elara didn’t flinch. She just met his gaze, stubborn and unwavering.

The tension hung heavy in the air.

After a long moment, Hancock suddenly chuckled.

He called for his assistant to bring in an enormous wine glass—one that could hold nearly a gallon and a half. Then, from his prized collection, he poured every last drop of his best spirits into it.

“You finish this,” Hancock said, sliding the towering glass across the desk. “If you can drink every drop, I’ll call the board myself and admit it was all drunken nonsense.”