To Love a Shadow To Be the Sun novel Chapter 352

Unable to bear their scrutinizing stares, Elara stepped inside.

A strange, heavy atmosphere filled the car on the way down. No one said a word. The moment the doors opened, Elara rushed out and hurried toward her car, where Summer was waiting.

Just as she reached it, however, a Lincoln pulled up right behind her.

"I'll take you home," Zane said.

"I have my own car."

The words had barely left her mouth when she heard the click of her car's central locks.

"Well… she *could* be without a car."

With that, Summer floored it, peeling out of the parking garage.

Zane burst out laughing. "Now that's a good friend to have."

Elara sighed, resigned, and got into Zane's car.

The moment they were inside her apartment, Zane pulled her into his arms, his mouth finding hers in a hungry kiss. Their passion quickly spilled onto the sofa, where he pinned her beneath him, leaving her no room to move.

His kisses were a feverish, relentless assault, powerful and demanding, as if he intended to devour her whole. Her body went limp, her mind clouded with desire. Just as his hand slipped under the hem of her dress to caress her waist, a sliver of clarity returned. She pushed him away, turning her head to avoid his lips.

"What's wrong?" Zane asked, sensing her sudden resistance.

"Your trip to Capital City… how did it go?"

Zane's eyes flickered. He knew what she was really asking. He pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth. "In a situation like this, every step forward is progress."

She could tell he was facing significant opposition.

"You just said I was heartless. Do you think I care if you tell on me?"

Pearl gritted her teeth in hatred. He had to be at that woman's apartment right now. Once the DNA report came back and confirmed that Elara was her adoptive mother's biological daughter, she would keep it a secret from everyone and find a way to get rid of her for good.

Zane ended the call, his brow furrowed as he stared out the window. Pearl was becoming more and more difficult to handle. It seemed her gratitude toward him was entirely misplaced.

Seeing his distracted expression, Elara stood up and smoothed out her clothes. It reminded her of how Brian used to leave immediately after getting a call from Lina. She figured Zane was no exception to the "sister-in-distress" rule.

With a cynical smile, she headed for the bathroom. "Close the door on your way out," she said over her shoulder.

But when she emerged from her shower, the scent of a freshly cooked omelet filled the air. She looked into the kitchen and saw Zane, wearing her apron, busy at the stove. The sight of his tall, powerful frame wrapped in a domestic apron stirred a surprising flicker of desire within her.

Elara's heart fluttered as she walked into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around him from behind.

Zane chuckled. "What's this? Want me now?"