To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 82

Chuck grew even more flustered. "Miss Vincent, you can't just say things like that—you'll get me in trouble."

Lina blinked at him, feigning innocence. "Don't worry, I won't tell my brother."

Chuck's nerves were fraying. He stammered, desperate for a way to defend himself, but no words came.

Elara, unfazed, leveled her gaze at Lina. "You seem awfully comfortable tossing your dirty secrets around."

Lina's bright, sunny smile flickered, then vanished, and she quickly switched topics. "Sister-in-law, my brother said he neglected me last night, so today he gave me his credit card—told me to treat myself and do some shopping."

Elara could see right through her little show. She gave a cool, dismissive smile. "Flaunting someone else's husband's credit card to make yourself feel special? That's about all you're good for—a bit of passing entertainment."

Lina's expression darkened. Normally, she was good at masking her feelings, but now her composure boiled over like a kettle left on too long.

"You really do think you're the lady of the house, don't you? If it hadn't been for that scandal with the Vincent family, if my brother and the people closest to him hadn't been threatened, he never would've picked a nobody like you to be my living shield. Honestly, I owe you for the peace I've enjoyed these past few years. Tell you what—see anything you like today? I'll buy it for you. Call it a thank you."

Elara recognized the dig for what it was. Still, after all this time, she'd come to terms with the fact that she'd been nothing but a pawn to a heartless man for four years.

She knew exactly what Lina wanted—to provoke her. But Elara had her own reasons for playing along. After all, every little incident was fuel for her upcoming divorce.

So, as Lina's words hung in the air, Elara raised her hand and slapped her, hard.

Lina was genuinely shocked that Elara would hit her, but she reacted instantly—crying out dramatically as she collapsed to the floor.

From across the atrium, bodyguards rushed over.

Tears poured down Lina's face in an instant. "Sister-in-law, even if you hit me, I'll still tell my brother you're having an affair with Dr. Chamberlain!"

Her words rang out for the bodyguards to hear.

She'd made it this far by playing safe, and she wasn't about to let one slip-up ruin everything.

Suddenly, Lina sprang to her feet and lunged at Elara, crying out, "Why did you hit me? Why—?"

Elara was quick—she stepped back, catching Lina by the throat just as her fingers were about to close on her. But Lina had expected this. With a wild yank, she grabbed Elara's bag and tried to rip it away.

In that instant, Elara understood—Lina was after her phone, the recording.

She had, in fact, recorded Lina's admission. She'd prepared a little "anniversary surprise" for her fourth wedding anniversary, and this audio would make it unforgettable for Brian.

Elara clutched her bag tightly and shoved back, the two women grappling like wildcats.

The bodyguards, seeing Lina in hysterics, rushed in. "Separate them! But don't let Miss Vincent get hurt!"