To Love a Shadow To Be the Sun novel Chapter 74

If you wanted to strip Nanette of all her wealth and privilege, you'd have to start with this person.

"You…you should go," Chuck said, looking uncomfortable. "I'll tell them you're not a good candidate for the blood draw."

"Thank you."

Elara's voice was gentle, her expression easy; she didn't pressure him at all.

She hadn't walked far from the phlebotomy room before running into Charles.

Both of them looked a little surprised.

"Dr. Calloway, working the night shift?" Elara spoke first.

Charles nodded, concern flickering across his face. "What brings you to the hospital so late?"

Elara smiled, her eyes calm and distant, like a painting long faded.

"Brian asked me to have his stepmother's blood drawn. Luckily, you'd left a note in my file—thank you for that."

Before she could finish, a familiar face flashed by in the corridor.

Elara turned, watching the man walk past, and it was only when she caught sight of his retreating figure that it clicked.

Lawrence. The man she'd never had the chance to thank, not once but twice. Ignoring the storm brewing in Charles's expression, she hurried out of the hospital after him.

Brian saw her bracing her back and heading outside. He started to go after her, but Charles grabbed him by the collar.

"Did I not tell you what's going on with her? Just because she can walk and jump doesn't mean she's recovered! Drawing blood now—are you trying to kill her?"

Brian stared at him, his eyes dark and unfathomable. "She's my wife, not your concern."

Charles let go, voice still firm. "Drop the fake concern, Brian. If you want a new wife, say so and get a divorce. There's no need to torment her like this."

"Charles!" Brian's face finally clouded over. "Brothers don't need to understand each other. They just need to know where they stand."

A vein throbbed in Charles's temple. "Fine, Brian. Keep using her as your scapegoat. There'll come a day you regret it."

Outside, Elara clutched her aching back, but the man was already getting into his car, leaving her with nothing but the fading glow of his taillights.

The man absently touched the ring on his finger, gazing out at the city lights streaming past. Shadows carved deep lines between his brow and nose.

Elara gasped for breath, unable to straighten up as her back throbbed with pain.

She was just about to call a taxi when someone called out behind her.

"Mrs. Vincent…"

Chuck caught up, handing her a small jar of ointment.

"…This is for you."

Elara accepted it, a hint of a smile breaking through her fatigue.

"Dr. Chamberlain, you're too kind. As a doctor sworn to do no harm, aren't there things you want to say to me?"

Like whether Nanette's illness was real or just another act.