To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 80

It surprised her—he wasn't here to interrogate her, after all.

Elara stood, a wry half-smile tugging at her lips. "Do you know why I don't care for those worthless rocks?"

Brian just looked at her, silent.

She enunciated every word, steady and clear: "Because talking money with you is so much more satisfying."

Brian stiffened, just for a moment.

Without another glance, Elara left the bedroom behind.

Of course she would sell the pearl hairclip—she needed every penny for her grandfather's medical fund after the divorce.

Brian only realized she was gone when he came downstairs for breakfast.

Mrs. Archer brought out a single breakfast plate.

"Is Mrs. Vincent still upset with me?" he asked, assuming Elara had accepted the jewelry and her anger would have passed.

Mrs. Archer replied with her usual formality, "Mr. Vincent, your wife hasn't eaten at home for quite some time now. How is it you're only just noticing?"

Brian went still, a cold awareness creeping in. Somewhere along the way, a deep rift had formed between them—a gulf he'd barely registered.

His phone rang again. Gareth.

Brian rubbed his forehead, feeling the exhaustion settle in, and answered.

"Brian, Lina had another depressive episode last night. She's only just stable, but now she's insisting on checking herself out. Your aunt's illness keeps coming back. I can't handle two patients on my own. Please—just this once, help me out, will you?"

Brian paused, then said quietly, "Dad, I've already found her a therapist. If she needs help, she should see the therapist. Elara needs me right now—I can't be in two places at once."

The line went dead, Gareth hanging up in frustration.

By midday, Elara had finished her work at Ignition Dynamics and was headed to grab lunch.

Summer appeared, carrying a thermal container.

Inside was a nourishing broth—silky and rich.

"Why are you just staring at it? Don't you recognize your own stuff?" Summer teased.

He shot her a cold look, and her bravado shrank by half.

Brian took a seat at Elara's desk, lost in thought.

Seconds ticked by. Summer grew more and more uneasy.

"About two weeks ago, I think I saw you in Aalborg," Brian said suddenly.

Summer's palms broke out in a sweat.

"You must be mistaken—I've never been to Aalborg. My brother has, though, to take care of your... friend. You must be confusing us."

Thank God Elara had warned her to erase any record of being in Aalborg. If this tyrant had caught her there…

No one understands Brian better than Elara—not even his rivals.

"Is that so?" Brian replied, his voice mild but eyes sharp. "I could've sworn you saw something there—and told her about it."

Summer shivered from head to toe.