Chapter 330

Evelyn Laurent and Julian Langley strolled leisurely along the forest path, gathering a bounty of wild edibles without realizing it.

The mushrooms were plump and fresh, the wild greens vibrant, and the berries ripe and tempting—enough to feed four people.

"Julian! What a coincidence!"

Rachel Clemenson's sudden exclamation shattered the forest's tranquility. She and her brother Leo approached, drawing curious glances from Crystal Rothschild and Hugo Rothschild.

Julian remained composed, offering only a slight nod in acknowledgment.

"Are you two foraging too?" Rachel eyed the bundle wrapped in Julian's jacket with interest.

The makeshift pouch bulged with an assortment of wild treasures. Rachel's smile froze as she pointed at a few mushrooms.

"Oh my god! Those are poisonous! They could kill you! Throw them away!"

Julian instinctively stepped back, shielding the bundle. "If Evelyn says they're safe, then they are."

Rachel gaped at him, incredulous. She'd done her research—Evelyn was just some country bumpkin with no credentials. How could an Oscar-winning actor trust her judgment?

"Julian, I'm serious! Those mushrooms are deadly!" Rachel insisted. "Leo and I grew up in the countryside. We know these things."

Leo nodded vigorously. "Yeah, we call those 'Devil's Bane.' One bite is enough to kill you."

Evelyn stood quietly, a faint smile playing on her lips. She plucked one mushroom from the bundle, twirling it between her fingers.

"Are you sure?" Her voice was soft but laced with unshakable confidence.

Rachel bristled at her tone. "Evelyn, stop pretending you know what you're doing! This is a matter of life and death!"

Tension crackled in the air. Crystal watched from a distance, amusement flickering in her eyes, while Hugo studied the mushroom in Evelyn's hand thoughtfully.

Julian suddenly chuckled. "I trust Evelyn's judgment." He turned to her, his gaze warm and resolute. "Let's head back. It's time to start lunch."

Rachel's face flushed with frustration. She'd hoped to showcase her survival skills on camera, only to have Julian side with Evelyn so decisively.

"You'll regret this!" she called after them.

Evelyn waved without looking back. "Thanks for your concern." Her tone was breezy, as if discussing the weather.

The pair walked away, leaving the Clemenson siblings standing there. Leo muttered, "Do you think they'll really eat those poisonous mushrooms?"

Rachel gritted her teeth. "Let's see them make fools of themselves!" She was already plotting how to play the compassionate expert if Evelyn got poisoned.

Meanwhile, Evelyn murmured to Julian, "Those are called 'Scarlet Caps.' They are toxic."

Julian paused mid-step. "Then why—"

"But I know how to prepare them safely." Evelyn flashed a mysterious smile. "You'll see."

From afar, Crystal watched their retreating figures, stroking her chin thoughtfully. This mushroom dispute seemed far more layered than it appeared.