To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 64

Without another glance, she strode out of Platinum Bay.

Lina's intentions had been laid bare and crushed before they could take root, but her eyes still glinted with a venomous coldness.

This game is far from over, she thought. Let's see how long you can keep hiding behind your brother's love.

Of course, Elara had no way of hearing the bitter words swirling in Lina's mind.

As soon as Elara reached her car, her phone buzzed with a new message from Rose.

She glanced at the address—"Celestial River Estates"—displayed in large letters on the screen. Her grip tightened around her phone, knuckles whitening.

Almost as if she could sense Elara's reaction, Rose sent another message, this time attaching a photo.

It was a picture of her grandfather, sitting peacefully in a rocking chair, eyes closed in rest.

"He really likes it at Newhaven Residence," Rose wrote. "He's worked hard all his life. Let him finally enjoy some comfort."

Elara wanted to be angry, but found her fury had nowhere to land.

Barely two minutes later, Rose was calling her.

"Elara, did you see the photo?" Rose asked carefully.

"What do you want?" Elara's voice was clipped.

"Well, about your grandfather's settlement agreement—I've already signed for him. As for your part… Mr. Walker said he'll be waiting for you at The Rain Pavilion."

Elara closed her eyes, exhaling slowly.

"Rose," she said quietly, "do you really feel at peace living in a home that my grandfather nearly died for, and I was humiliated to secure?"

Rose fell silent.

When Elara arrived at the teahouse, her counterpart was already waiting in a private room.

"Mrs. Vincent, I truly had no idea Mr. Vincent's father-in-law was living in our village. If I'd known, I never would've let my son make such a scene. I'm so sorry you and Gage had to go through that."

"If you can't raise your son right, maybe it's time the law did it for you. Prison's better than a bullet, don't you think?"

The chief's face fell, all pretense of pleasantry gone.

"Mrs. Vincent," a middle-aged man who'd been silent until now finally spoke, "just because you married into money doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. If a woman keeps acting out, sooner or later her husband's going to get tired of her."

Elara looked at him, eyebrow raised. The chief hastily introduced, "This is Daly Walker, Derek's uncle."

So this was the infamous "Commissioner Walker" whose name the local thugs had dropped so fearlessly.

Elara's lips curled. "And what exactly are you trying to say, Commissioner Walker?"

Daly sipped his tea, revealing a row of yellowed teeth. "You're an attractive woman, Mrs. Vincent, but you're far too stubborn. I'd wager your husband's interest in you won't last. Wealthy men only marry women like you for a bit of arm candy. If you were smart, you'd use this chance to make some connections—like befriending me."

Elara absently ran her fingers over the now-cold teacup in front of her. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean, Commissioner."

Daly let out a low chuckle. "When your husband eventually tosses you aside, I might take pity and introduce you to a few of my widowed colleagues. Who knows? Maybe you'll land yourself another respectable husband. Isn't that what you want?"