Chapter 593

Evelyn rolled her eyes. She instantly knew Nathan had pulled some strings behind the scenes.

She was the one who had recommended Xavier, and Dominic should have handled this properly.

Evelyn took a deep breath. With so many people around, she couldn’t make a scene. Besides, the whole point of this was to support Vivian. She’d have to settle this later.

She held out her hand wordlessly and started clapping.

Then, everyone else joined in, their applause growing louder, their expressions knowing.

The ovation was meant for Mr. Blackwood alone.

Nathan’s gaze softened slightly as he watched Evelyn lead the applause. The icy aura around him faded just a fraction.

Dominic exhaled in relief.

First hurdle cleared.

Nathan strode to Evelyn’s side, and the crowd instinctively parted for him.

He stood at the center of the group, effortlessly commanding attention.

Oddly, it didn’t feel out of place at all.

Evelyn stood there, her smile polite but distant. Behind her, Xavier had the sense to retreat to the far corner.

He wasn’t foolish enough to provoke Nathan again.

That beating had been lesson enough for a lifetime.

After the introductions, everyone headed outside for some icebreaker games.

Evelyn walked leisurely at the back, Vivian keeping pace beside her.

The other three actresses clustered around Nathan, vying for his attention.

Seraphina cooed, "Mr. Blackwood, this is my first time meeting you in person. You’re even more striking than in magazines!"

Cassandra chimed in, "Absolutely! Mr. Blackwood, what brought you here? The director didn’t warn us—what a delightful surprise!"

Giselle added, "With you here, our ratings are guaranteed to skyrocket!"

Vivian stifled a laugh and nudged Evelyn. "He’s here for you, isn’t he?"

Evelyn glanced at Nathan’s broad shoulders and narrow waist from behind. Even standing still, his presence was magnetic.

"Probably just here for the paycheck," she muttered carelessly.

The man in front of her stiffened slightly.

He stopped abruptly, turned, and fixed her with a wounded look. "I came for you."

Evelyn shot a pointed glance at the nearby cameraman. "Cut that part."

"Yes, ma’am!"

Nathan’s expression darkened. He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"You’ve been ignoring me."

Evelyn arched a brow.

Nathan pressed on, "No replies to my texts. No answers to my calls."

Silence.

"Did you forget who I am to you?"

Evelyn couldn’t take it anymore. She glared.

"Shut up."

Nathan froze. The usually untouchable CEO actually obeyed.

The cameraman gaped. What did I just film? No—scratch that, I didn’t film anything.

Vivian’s eyes widened before a flicker of disdain crossed her face. She had no respect for him.

The three actresses up ahead found their attempts at flattery falling flat.

The first game was on the lake.

Giselle, terrified of water, stayed onshore.

The others would split into teams of three, racing to the opposite shore—no paddles, just hands.

Simple. Brutal.

Dominic announced the groupings, anticipation thick in the air.

Had he rigged this too?

"First team—Evelyn, Nathan, and… Xavier."