Chapter 335

The air crackled with unspoken tension.

Hugo Rothschild stood three paces away from Ethan Sullivan.

Ethan's dark eyes gleamed with icy intensity. His chin lifted slightly, gaze sharp as a blade, radiating clear warning.

Hugo remained impassive, though a trace of confusion flickered in his brow. His cool demeanor contrasted starkly with Ethan's simmering hostility.

Julian Langley hovered nearby, watching Hugo with wary eyes. He'd noticed something unsettling in the way this aloof man looked at his sister.

"I came to thank Evelyn Laurent," Hugo said calmly. "This doesn't concern you, Mr. Sullivan."

Ethan smirked. "She said she doesn't need your thanks."

Their locked gazes sparked like flint on steel.

Hugo narrowed his eyes. "This is between her and me."

He took a step forward, only to be blocked by Ethan's unyielding stance.

"Enough." Evelyn gently tugged Ethan's sleeve.

She met Hugo's gaze squarely. "I told you it wasn't necessary."

Ignoring her, Hugo set four water bottles on the ground. "You're low on supplies."

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Ethan stared at the bottles, expression darkening. Every instinct rebelled against this stranger's sudden appearance.

Evelyn distributed the water to their group. "We'll use these for now."

Ethan twisted open a cap and handed it to her. "You first."

She hesitated before accepting.

Julian shot Ethan an annoyed glare and gulped down half his bottle in one go.

The corner of Ethan's mouth lifted as he watched Evelyn drink, his gaze softening.

The aroma of grilled fish wafted through the air.

Evelyn focused on turning the fish, sprinkling seasonings with practiced ease. Firelight danced across her concentrated profile.