Chapter 377

Evelyn Laurent and Julian Langley slept soundly beneath the shade of the trees.

Ethan Sullivan leaned against the trunk beside Evelyn, his gaze tender as he watched her. He held a broad palm leaf in his hand, gently fanning it to send cool breezes her way.

The light wind brushed past, easing the furrow between Evelyn's brows from the heat. Ethan's eyes softened with concern as he noticed the fine beads of sweat on her forehead.

He recalled the investigative files—the image of a young girl studying late into the night in a shabby rented room. Despite the harsh conditions, she had maintained an astonishing passion for learning. That same resilience now allowed her to sleep peacefully on the hard ground.

As the sea breeze picked up, Ethan set the palm leaf aside and closed his eyes to rest.

The cameraman adjusted his equipment before taking a short break himself. Filming Evelyn was physically demanding—she moved with the agility of a sprite, often leaving him breathless as he chased after her.

When Evelyn awoke, the sunlight had lost its scorching intensity. She stretched and sat up, noticing that the figure beside her had changed from Bianca Fairchild to Ethan.

Sensing her movement, Ethan slowly opened his eyes. In that first moment of eye contact, his gaze was still hazy with sleep—but the instant he recognized her, warmth flooded his expression. "Sleep well?" he murmured, keeping his voice low.

Evelyn turned her face away slightly. "Not bad," she replied softly.

Her eyes caught on the palm leaf resting near Ethan's hand, and something stirred in her chest. "Were you fanning me?"

Ethan smiled and nodded. That simple gesture sent an unfamiliar ripple through her heart.

"Sis, you're awake!" Julian rubbed his eyes as he sat up, wincing as he massaged his lower back. "This ground is brutal. My back's killing me."

He turned to Evelyn with concern. "You okay?"

She shook her head. Sleeping outdoors was nothing new to her.

Then she glanced at Ethan. "What about you? Are you uncomfortable?"

The corner of Ethan's mouth curved up. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across his striking features—his smile held an inexplicable allure.