To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 41

Elara kept her composure, her voice calm. "I was in the study, looking over the company reports."

Although Brian had been in charge of SiliconCrest Group for years now, his grandmother still held onto the title of Chairwoman. She didn't interfere much with how her grandson ran things, but like clockwork, every other day a summary of the group's affairs would land on her desk.

Brian introduced, "This is Lina, Aunt Nanette's daughter."

It was the first time Elara and Lina had officially met. Brian was only doing what was expected.

Lina obediently stepped forward to greet Elara, but Elara didn't so much as glance at them. Instead, she turned away and hung her coat on the rack.

Brian left Lina standing there and followed Elara.

As Elara finished, she took a step back, only to bump right into Brian's chest. Startled, she tried to move away, but he wrapped his arms around her.

"She fainted at the cemetery," he murmured, voice low. "Refused to go to the hospital, but it's just low blood sugar. It won't delay anything—she'll be leaving after dinner tonight."

"I don't want to deal with her," Elara replied, her tone distant. "And you don't need to keep me updated about her, either."

She wasn't picking a fight, but there was a coolness in the air now—a distance that hadn't been there before.

Elara tried to step out of his arms.

Brian wouldn't let go.

Just then, Gareth walked in. "Brian, we need to talk."

"Later," Brian replied, clearly annoyed by the interruption. He took Elara's hand, intending to find somewhere quieter.

"It's about what you asked me the other day," Gareth said quietly.

Brian stopped in his tracks.

Elara seized the opportunity, twisting her wrist free from his grip. In the brief struggle, he'd squeezed her so hard her wrist was left red and sore. She said nothing, just lowered her head and rubbed the spot.

Brian's eyes darkened, but he left with Gareth.

In the living room, Nanette watched Gareth and Brian disappear outside. She gently patted Lina's hair, satisfaction written all over her face.

Elara lifted her gaze, her eyes cool and unreadable. "If you like them so much, go ahead and eat. I doubt I could appreciate something so… special. I'm just not on your level."

Nanette's face darkened instantly. "So you're saying Lina isn't good enough for you?"

"You're free to interpret it however you want."

"Elara!" Nanette snapped, her temper flaring. "Lina is kind and well-mannered. You—abandoned, cursed, bad luck follows you everywhere. You'll never compare to her."

Her words were like knives, deliberately digging into old wounds.

Lina tugged at Nanette's sleeve, but Nanette brushed her off. "What are you afraid of? She should be grateful to eat your leftovers!"

Rage churned inside Elara. She weighed the consequences of losing her temper for just a moment. Then she grabbed the plate from the housekeeper and flung it straight at Nanette.

"Don't hurt my mother!" Lina shouted, throwing herself in front of Nanette without hesitation.

The plate hit Lina squarely on the back, cookies scattering and crumbling all over her. Lina's whole body trembled, her back a mess of crumbs and broken pieces.