Chapter 403

The ocean erupted with a deafening blast.

Evelyn Laurent's pupils contracted violently.

Her gaze locked onto the spot where Ethan Sullivan had vanished.

Churning waves swallowed the familiar silhouette.

"Ethan!"

Her anguished scream tore through the night.

She launched herself toward the black waters like an arrow from a bow.

"Evelyn!"

Julian Langley's grasping fingers closed on empty air.

He could only watch helplessly as his sister plunged into the raging sea.

Lights blazed to life in the villa.

Timothy Gold sprinted out barefoot, not even pausing for shoes.

"Christ almighty!"

Eugene York followed close behind, his face bloodless.

Bianca Fairchild stood frozen on the shore, speechless with shock.

The seawater stabbed like ice.

Evelyn thrashed through the waves, her heart hammering against her ribs.

In the distance.

Ethan floated motionless on the dark surface.

Moonlight traced the pallor of his profile.

Evelyn's fingertips trembled.

She swam desperately toward him.

Water sprayed as she seized his arm.

"Hold on!"

She broke the surface with him, her voice cracking.

Ethan's eyes flew open.

When their gazes met.

He saw her red-rimmed eyes.

"You—"

Before he could finish, Evelyn was already dragging him toward shore.

"Medic! Call an ambulance!"

Chaos erupted on the beach.

Understanding dawned on Ethan.

He gripped her wrist.

"I wasn't—"

"Shut up!" Evelyn snapped. "Save your strength!"

Wet strands clung to her face, droplets clinging to her lashes.

Ethan suddenly smiled.

Through the roar of waves.

He heard his own thunderous heartbeat.