Chapter 334

Evelyn Laurent weighed the heavy seafood harvest in her hands, a sly smile curling her lips. These fresh catches straight from the ocean were far more tempting than the production crew's hardtack.

"Deputy Director Gold, we'd like to make an exchange." She shook the fishing net in her hand.

Timothy Gold's forehead glistened with sweat. She was the third guest group coming to barter, but this one was clearly more formidable.

"A lighter, tent, seasonings, and a cooking pot." Evelyn counted on her fingers. "I'll go catch more if this isn't enough."

She turned toward the shoreline, but Timothy hastily stopped her. "That's sufficient!"

Julian Langley watched in astonishment. Since when had his little sister become such a skilled negotiator?

Ethan Sullivan silently accepted the traded supplies, efficiently setting up the tent. His slender fingers gleamed pale in the sunlight, each movement precise as a performance.

"Third Brother, go help Xander Quincy start the fire." Evelyn didn't even look up.

Julian's eyes widened in protest. "Why me?"

"Because your grilled fish is inedible." Evelyn delivered the blunt truth.

The faintest smirk touched Ethan's lips—just enough for Julian to catch. Their gazes clashed midair, sparks flying.

"Evelyn Laurent."

A cool voice interrupted their silent standoff. Hugo Rothschild stood three meters away, holding several water bottles. The sea breeze lifted the hem of his gray tracksuit, making him resemble an unsheathed blade.

Ethan instantly positioned himself in front of Evelyn, his gaze sharp.

"A token of gratitude." Hugo's words were brief, but his eyes bypassed Ethan, locking onto Evelyn. There was something about this girl—a fire that drew people in.

"Unnecessary." Evelyn kept her focus on the sizzling fish she was turning.

Hugo's brow furrowed slightly. No one had ever dismissed him so outright.

"Leave." Ethan's voice was ice.

The sea wind turned biting, whipping up grains of sand. As their eyes met, the very air seemed to freeze.