Chapter 596

Xavier hesitated for just a second.

Then he turned with a dazzling smile.

"Yes, Mr. Blackwood was considerate. I prefer walking back alone anyway. Consider it a personal challenge."

Without another word, he pivoted and stepped back into the water.

His figure cut through the waves with determination.

No hesitation. No backward glance.

Evelyn opened her mouth to speak, but the reality was clear—there weren't enough boats. Calling for another would only waste precious time.

Every second counted.

She clenched her jaw and turned away.

Nathan caught up in three strides, grabbing her wrist. His fingers dug into the exact spot Xavier had touched, rubbing harshly until her skin burned red against her pale complexion.

Evelyn yanked her hand back, voice icy. "Have you lost your mind?"

Nathan's eyes darkened, veins prominent. His voice was a controlled growl. "Yes. So stop talking to him."

A cold laugh escaped her. "What you say means nothing to me."

The words hit like a physical blow. His expression shuttered.

Of course he meant nothing.

Evelyn was the one who brought Xavier onto the show.

Their connection existed because of her.

She tilted her chin up. "Yup."

Was he furious?

Humiliated?

Good. He could walk away anytime.

Nathan's eyelid twitched. He closed the distance between them in one step, fingers brushing the hair from her forehead. His whisper was arctic.

"Am I not enough? You need that cheap imitation too?"

Evelyn met his gaze head-on, neither backing down. Her smile was razor-sharp as she traced his jaw. "A woman can never have too many men. Permanent boyfriends are overrated."

Nathan's breath turned ragged. He gripped her waist, voice raw. "Evelyn—"

"Evelyn!" A gentle call interrupted. "Come drink something warm."

Vivian stood nearby with two actresses, holding steaming cups. She extended one toward Evelyn.

"Thanks." Evelyn accepted it gladly.

Vivian lowered her voice. "I saw tension with your team earlier. Did Mr. Blackwood cause trouble?"

Evelyn sipped her drink. "No."

Beside them, Seraphina couldn't resist glancing at Nathan. "Ms. Sinclair, is Mr. Blackwood pursuing you? Will you reconcile?"

Evelyn took another slow sip before answering. "No."

Her tone left no room for debate.

Nathan's expression flickered but smoothed instantly.

He'd make her eat those words.

Seraphina's face brightened visibly.

So did Cassandra's.

Vivian remained impassive. This drama wasn't hers to care about.

"Everyone knows he's trash," Vivian remarked casually. "Running back to an ex? Textbook scumbag behavior."

Nathan, who'd been approaching, froze mid-step. Rage simmered in his eyes as he glared—this woman, Tristan's ex-wife, was trouble.

Seraphina rushed to disagree. "Not necessarily! Maybe their lifestyles clashed initially. With adjustment, reconciliation could work."

Cassandra nodded eagerly. "Exactly! You can't label someone a scumbag just because they loved someone else first. That's not fair!"

Evelyn and Vivian exchanged glances.

Where did these marriage experts crawl out from?

If they were so wise, why were they divorced?

Still, Cassandra had a point.

Vivian shrugged. "So you're saying their breakup was Ms. Sinclair's fault?"