To Love a Shadow To Be the Sun novel Chapter 54

This was what Elara had brought, just as the phone call requested.

She held the agreement in her hands, unable to see it, but tracing its edges with delicate fingers.

"Summer, after Ryan Linden died, my grandfather had a heart attack. Four years ago, if I hadn't married Brian, the Linden family would've fallen apart. Things will still be hard from now on, but at least it won't be as desperate as it was back then. That's why I need to live my own life now."

Summer was shocked by the revelation. Elara had never told her any of this before.

"Do you think Brian will actually sign the agreement?" Summer asked, settling herself on the edge of the bed. Elara reached out, found her friend's arm, and leaned against her.

"I'm not sure yet…"

She paused for a moment, then asked quietly, "Summer, just because I don't have parents, does that mean I'm supposed to be someone else's sacrifice?"

Are children without parents really so worthless—lives as cheap as grass?

Elara's tone was calm, but Summer felt her heart clench.

"Of course not. He's a jerk, a total scumbag—"

She broke off, hesitating mid-sentence.

"Elara, it's the twenty-first century. Why haven't you tried a DNA search?"

The idea had genuinely never occurred to Elara.

"You just do a DNA test, put your info in the registry. You don't even need to give your name, just a way to contact you. If your parents are looking for you too, someone will reach out. It's easy! And this hospital can run the test right here."

It was like a light switched on for Elara. She immediately asked Summer to wheel her to the lab for a blood sample.

Since Elara still couldn't see, Summer filled out the contact information, leaving her own phone number.

"I asked the doctor—DNA results will be ready in three days, then they'll send the data to the registry. You could hear something in as little as a week," Summer said.

The possibility of finding her family filled Elara with hope.

That night, Summer stayed at the hospital with her instead of returning home.

***

Platinum Bay, study.

Brian's face had been cold all day.

Yves Caldwell gave his report: "The studio's security footage was destroyed in the explosion. As for Mrs. Linden's phone, it's probably just out of battery, which is why we couldn't reach her."

"So, with no surveillance and no way to trace her phone, you've got nothing?" Brian's voice was icy.

Yves took a steadying breath. "Actually—"

Biting her lip, Lina quietly slipped from the study.

Brian tamped down his irritation and turned back to Yves.

"Summer isn't answering her phone either?"

Yves nodded. "No, sir."

"Call the phone company. Trace her signal," Brian ordered.

Yves's eyes lit up, suddenly understanding.

***

The next day, Elara's vision finally returned and she was cleared to leave the hospital.

Summer walked with her down the corridor by the pharmacy. As they rounded the corner, they spotted Lina.

She was dressed in a white Chanel dress. Her long hair fell across her cheeks, giving her an innocent, delicate look as she stood by the glass doors in the lobby, as if waiting for someone.

"Let's take the back exit," Elara murmured, hoping to avoid her. But as she spoke, Lina's gaze met hers.

Lina's eyes widened in surprise. Once she recognized Elara, she immediately called out to the man heading toward the director's office, "Big brother! She's here—Elara's here!"