Chapter 407

Sunlight filtered through palm fronds, casting dappled shadows on the sand.

Evelyn Laurent's slender fingers moved deftly over wooden blocks, each mortise and tenon joint fitting seamlessly.

A soft click sounded.

The final piece slid perfectly into place.

A rustic deck chair took shape before their eyes.

[Damn! That craftsmanship is insane!]

[My grandpa was a carpenter—this level of skill takes at least twenty years to master.]

[What kind of goddess is Evelyn?]

The live stream exploded with comments.

Julian Langley's jaw nearly hit the ground.

"Evelyn, don't tell me you can build houses too?"

She brushed wood dust from her hands, lips quirking.

"A little."

Ethan Sullivan handed her a coconut, admiration gleaming in his eyes.

"A little? That was master-level work."

Bianca Fairchild leaned in for a closer look—

When frantic footsteps suddenly pounded toward them.

"Help!"

Beatrice Quincy stumbled into camp, disheveled.

Her dress was torn by thorns, face pale with terror.

"Bianca! Save Xander!"

Bianca shot to her feet.

"What happened?"

Beatrice gripped her sister's arm, nails digging in.

"We—we were at the north slope—"

A violent cough wracked her body.

Evelyn was at her side in an instant, steadying her trembling shoulders.

"Breathe. Get to the point."

The icy command made Beatrice flinch.

"Liam fell off the cliff. Xander and the others went after him, but—"

Her eyes rolled back as she collapsed.

Silence swallowed the beach.

Ethan checked her pulse.

"Shock-induced fainting. She'll be out for a while."

Julian grabbed his pack, ready to bolt.

"I'm going after them."

"Stop."

Evelyn's voice cut like steel.

Her gaze narrowed toward the shadowed northern woods.

"Something's wrong."

Bianca stamped her foot.

"But Xander—"

Evelyn was already tying up her hair, machete in hand.

"Ethan, stay with her."

She turned to Julian.

"Let's move."

They vanished into the tree line.

The live chat held its breath.

[This is bad.]

[Isn't the north slope off-limits?]

[Where's the production crew?]

Deep in the jungle, Evelyn halted.

"Wait."

She crouched, fingertips grazing a leaf.

Dull red stains glared against the sunlight.

Julian inhaled sharply.

"That's not—"

Evelyn's eyes turned glacial.

"Not from an accidental injury."

She stood slowly, grip tightening on the machete.

"Someone smeared this here on purpose."