Chapter 619

Evelyn slipped her phone into her pocket, determined to savor every moment of Xavier's tea ceremony.

She signaled the cameraman to focus on Xavier - this rising star was her golden ticket to ratings.

Seraphina swayed toward Xavier with calculated grace, resting one manicured hand on his shoulder. Her eyes sparkled with exaggerated admiration.

"Xavier darling, you make tea too? How fascinating!" Her voice dripped with honeyed sweetness. "Would you teach me? Though I'm afraid I'm rather slow..."

The room fell silent.

Seraphina pressed closer, her curves brushing against Xavier's arm. A flush crept up his neck as he ducked his head, boyish charm warring with sudden shyness.

"Of...of course," he stammered, fingers fumbling with the teapot.

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. Something wasn't right here.

Across the room, Vivian nearly dropped her script, staring at the pair with undisguised suspicion.

"The water should be precisely eighty degrees," Xavier explained hoarsely.

"Let me help." Seraphina reached for the kettle. Their hands collided - Xavier's large palm engulfing her delicate fingers as if protecting her from the steam.

"Careful," he breathed.

Time suspended. Neither pulled away.

Evelyn's knuckles whitened around her teacup. Every eye in the room tracked the lingering contact.

Nathan's sudden entrance shattered the moment. A pointed cough sent them springing apart, both flushed crimson.

The crew exchanged glances, struggling to process the bizarre scene. Only Nathan seemed pleased, his lips curling in dark satisfaction.

Seraphina caught his subtle nod of approval. Her plan was working perfectly.

To create space for Nathan and Evelyn, she'd willingly become Xavier's distraction.

Dominic cleared his throat. "We're all professionals here. Carry on."

The room erupted into forced activity.

Seraphina kept stealing glances at Xavier through her lashes. He responded with boyish grins that sat unnaturally on features so similar to Nathan's.

Evelyn studied both men, realization dawning.

Side by side, their differences became glaring. Xavier's open flirtation made him appear juvenile compared to Nathan's controlled intensity. That carefully cultivated resemblance? A cheap imitation.

Her sigh drew Nathan's attention. His smirk widened.

'Heartbroken already?' he thought viciously. 'Good.'

His gaze slid to Xavier, cold calculation replacing amusement.

This imposter had overstayed his welcome.