To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 316

“I think she has a point,” Gareth said, trying to reason with him. “Hayden Everly’s still waiting to hear if you’ll invest in expanding his lab. You need to get back to him today.”

…

Elara was stunned the moment she stepped into the Ignition Dynamics office—half the room was overflowing with roses.

Summer was already waiting for her by the desk.

“There are so many flowers in here I’m afraid you’ll be squeezed out. What are you going to do about them?” she asked.

Elara blurted out, “Did Zane send these?”

Summer plucked a card from one of the bouquets and handed it to her. “My lucky charm must be working overtime. You’re getting all the attention—uncle and nephew both? Impressive.”

So these were from… Jason!

Elara exhaled slowly, placing the card back on the desk.

Summer gave her a knowing look. “However many boyfriends you have, I support you. Just… whatever you do, don’t let Brian find out about this. If he gets worked up and refuses to divorce you—”

At that, Elara frowned and shot Summer a warning look.

Summer stopped mid-sentence and smacked herself on the mouth. “He’ll divorce you, he will. Definitely. So… you’re just stringing Zane along for now?”

Elara walked to the window and took a deep breath, forcing herself to steady her nerves. “Summer, after everything with Brian, I’m scared to get into another relationship. I thought about it all night… Zane is so good, and I’m sure his wife is a wonderful person too. I’m just ordinary—no parents, nothing special. Why should he give up someone else for me?”

“Say no more…” Summer stepped up and hugged her gently. “I get it, I really do. I tried setting you two up because I just hoped, when you needed someone, there’d be a person who truly cared about you. If Zane’s not the one, then forget it. I just want you to be happy, not hurting.”

Through everything, at least she’d always had a friend who understood her.

…

Elara decided to call Jason and put an end to the confusion between them.

But Jason didn’t answer her calls. He didn’t reply to her messages either.

The flowers, however, kept arriving at her office every single morning—like clockwork.

If she ever left them uncollected at the end of the day, she’d return to find her office drowning in a sea of roses.

After several days, Elara finally had enough and called the florist to complain.

At last, Jason called her back.

Jason frowned slightly. “Mom, socializing with friends is important too.”

Fiona squeezed Victor’s arm, and Victor cut in firmly, leaving no room for argument. “Your uncle will be here. Tonight, no one’s missing dinner.”

And with that, they swept down the hall, leaving Jason standing in the doorway, frustration simmering with nowhere to go.

…

The Midhill Café.

Elara had barely reached the entrance when her phone buzzed with a message from Jason.

Something urgent had come up—he couldn’t make it.

A twinge of anger, mixed with disappointment, crept through her chest.

She turned, ready to call him, but paused when she spotted Lina approaching the restaurant as well.

Lina had clearly seen her too; a sly, challenging smile played on her lips as she walked straight toward Elara.