To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 315

Lina shook her head quickly. “It wasn’t me. Ellis ordered someone to do it. This isn’t the first time he’s pulled something like this.”

Brian’s face was unreadable, but his tone softened. “Let’s eat first.”

Mrs. Archer appeared with a bottle of red wine. “Mr. Vincent, would you like it opened?”

Brian nodded.

She brought over two glasses and poured for both of them.

Lina was a little surprised, but before she could say anything, Brian spoke again. “Ellis made sure you left your fingerprints behind. That was his insurance policy—he was hedging his bets in case Elara managed to clear her name. Then he could pin everything on you. Do you see now that you’ve been played?”

Lina hadn’t thought of it that way, but the moment Brian said it, she realized he was right.

Brian went on, “I promised my father I’d look after you, and I keep my promises. Stay here for now. I’ll figure out how to get you through this.”

Lina was so moved she almost spoke, but Brian picked up his wine glass.

“Have a sip. Relax. We’ll talk after.”

She couldn’t tell if it was the wine or Brian’s gentle smile that made her dizzy, but a warm flush crept over her, and the world faded away.

Brian set his glass down, his eyes suddenly cold.

Mrs. Archer returned, leading in a man whose face was as pale as chalk. She asked him, “You remember what we told you?”

The man nodded. “You paid me enough. I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”

Without another word, he picked Lina up and carried her out.

Mrs. Archer bowed her head slightly. “Mr. Vincent.”

Brian swirled his wine, gazing into the dark red depths. “You should go too. Leave the country. It’s the only way you’ll ever be free of all this.”

Tears welled in Mrs. Archer’s eyes. She nodded. “Mr. Vincent, if you still care about Miss Jules, please let her go.”

Night pressed against the windows as Brian sat in silence.

The next morning, Lina woke in the bedroom.

She was naked, her body aching and marked. Even without her memories, the pain told her exactly what had happened.

Just then, Brian emerged from the bathroom in a bathrobe.

Lina hurried to pull the sheets around her.

Brian’s eyes were cool. “No need to hide. There’s nothing left I haven’t seen. Get dressed and come out.”

No. It didn’t feel real.

At that moment, her phone rang.

Only Ellis and Gareth had this number.

She answered, and Ellis’s voice came through. “Where are you?”

Lina’s voice had lost its timidity. “Somewhere safe. The police can’t find me right now.”

“No need to be so defensive. I’m just worried about you.”

Lina laughed. “You embezzled company funds for your own schemes, and nothing even worked out for you. I’m more afraid of freedom than you are. So don’t waste your energy on me. You should focus on saving yourself.”

She hung up.

Finding out who Ellis’s new ally was wouldn’t be hard for Brian, but Lina wasn’t sure if she could really trust him yet. She’d have to test him a bit more.

But right now, she hurt too much—Brian had been so rough. She needed a few days just to recover.

On the other end, it was the first time Ellis had ever been defied by her. He nearly smashed his phone in fury.