To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 72

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Brian.

"You promised you'd look after my daughter. You can't go back on your word! Lina's not even married yet—she doesn't have a boyfriend, she's pure and innocent, and you…"

Nanette's words sounded like a dying woman's last plea, but Elara couldn't help herself—she let out a laugh.

"I've seen people threaten to kill themselves to force a marriage, but this is new: threatening to die unless someone takes your daughter as a mistress. If you're set on humiliating yourself like this, you might as well just get it over with."

The words had barely left her lips before Gareth exploded.

"Elara, do you even hear yourself? Is that any way to talk? Do you have any respect left for your elders?"

Brian closed his eyes briefly, then stepped between Elara and the others, shielding her.

Lina, seeing the shift, suddenly dropped to her knees at Elara's feet.

"If I wasn't on antidepressants, I'd give my mom blood myself. But right now… we're out of options."

She sobbed, her voice trembling with grief.

"I'm begging you—please save my mom…"

"Absolutely not."

Elara spat out the words, turned on her heel, and strode for the door.

"Stop her!"

At Gareth's command, two bodyguards immediately blocked her way.

Elara turned slowly, her eyes cold as blades as she glared at Gareth. "What's this, Father-in-law? Planning to tie me down and drain me like a lab rat?"

Gareth's expression darkened. "You've left me no choice. Take her phone—don't let her alert your grandmother."

"Just try touching her."

Brian's voice was sharp, icy enough to chill the room.

So much for four years of marriage—it really meant nothing.

"Take her to the blood lab," Gareth told the bodyguards.

Elara exhaled, her resistance gone, resignation settling over her features. She glanced toward Nanette in the hospital bed, then walked over and straightened her blanket.

"With a husband who loves you so much, you can focus on getting better, Mrs. Hughes."

Nanette, seeing Elara's meek expression, closed her eyes in smug satisfaction.

But then Elara leaned down, whispering into her ear so only they could hear: "You want my blood? Then I want your wealth and everything that makes your life worth living."

Nanette's eyes flew open in terror, her whole body trembling.

"You monster! What did you say to my mother?!"

Lina screamed and, in a frenzy, lunged at Elara, shoving her hard.