To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 66

When Yves Caldwell came to report that evening, she happened to be there. Brian didn't ask her to leave, so she heard everything.

Getting Elara to sign the settlement agreement was, on paper, the solution that would make everyone happy.

But Brian didn't respond to her suggestion.

Sensing the tension, Lina wisely held her tongue and prepared to leave. At the door, she tossed out a parting shot.

"If your wife still cares about you, she'll have your best interests at heart."

Why did she say that? Because she was certain she could make Elara refuse to give in.

The next morning, when Elara came downstairs, Brian hadn't left yet.

Yves Caldwell was there too.

The living room was heavy with unspoken words.

"Since the settlement agreement with the Lindens has been drafted, Derek's been released on bail," Yves reported. "Daly's position is clear. His nephew's hands are ruined, so the Walker family won't press charges. All they want is for Mrs. Vincent to sign the agreement—then it's over. If we do, the new development contract will be approved today."

Brian stayed silent, but Lina's anger was palpable.

"Derek was the one who started harassing Elara, and she was humiliated by a whole group of thugs. How do they even have the nerve to threaten you now?"

Every word was calculated to force Elara to remember that night—surrounded, cornered, powerless. The bodyguards had come quickly, but not quickly enough. The damage was done, and just thinking about it made Lina furious all over again.

Yves lowered his voice, speaking directly to Brian. "Daly can't have children. Derek is the Walker family's only heir. Daly will do anything to keep his nephew's record clean; otherwise, there'll be no one left to inherit. He said if you'll agree, the settlement can be signed at The Rain Pavilion."

Brian closed his eyes for a moment. Then, without a word, he stood up, took Elara by the wrist, and led her out.

The Rain Pavilion's private room.

Derek was already there.

Daly shot Elara a smug look before smoothing his features into a fawning smile and standing to greet them.

"Mr. Vincent, thank you for coming. I'm truly sorry for the trouble."

Elara glanced at Brian. His expression betrayed nothing.

She lowered her eyes and picked up the agreement from the table.

From the drive over from Cypress Heights to the teahouse, she'd had time to think. If she signed, she'd betray herself. If she refused, she'd be doing exactly what Lina wanted.

After weighing her options, despite every ounce of reluctance, she put pen to paper.

Seeing her acquiesce, Derek sneered, "Honestly, you can't blame me and the guys for everything. Mrs. Vincent is so soft, any man would lose control. What man could resist?"

Even Yves Caldwell couldn't stomach that.

"Mr. Walker, did you leave your manners in the holding cell, or have you always been this crude?"

Derek grinned wider, unfazed. "Oh, you want me to be polite? I get it. But come on—women are meant to please men. Mrs. Vincent here… she's got more allure than any girl at The Blue Orchid."

He finished with a raucous laugh, completely unashamed.