Chapter 499

Evelyn's fingertips trembled slightly.

The stormy night on that island three years ago flashed vividly in her mind.

It was the final day of filming.

The rain had just stopped when armed intruders silently infiltrated the island.

She remembered their grotesque faces.

The whistle of bullets grazing her ear.

Most of all, she remembered Ethan's chiseled profile as he shielded her with his body.

"Evelyn?"

Ethan noticed her distress, his warm palm covering her ice-cold hand.

She snapped back to reality.

Suddenly, she threw herself into his arms, clutching his shirt with white-knuckled desperation.

"Do you have any idea how terrified I was—"

Her voice broke into a sob.

Ethan's heart clenched.

He tightened his embrace, enveloping her completely.

"I'm sorry." His lips brushed her hair. "I promise this won't happen again."

Evelyn inhaled his scent greedily.

Pinewood mixed with faint traces of blood.

The familiar aroma made her eyes burn.

For three years, they'd existed like parallel lines.

Always close, yet maintaining careful distance.

But today—

When she received news of his disappearance—

She realized some words left unspoken might never be said.

"Ethan..."

She tilted her face upward.

Moonlight through the curtains scattered silver fragments in her eyes.

Before he could react—

Soft lips grazed his.

Light as a butterfly's wing.

Delicate enough to make his heart tremble.

Crash.

The dam of restraint shattered.

Ethan cradled the back of her neck, deepening the kiss.

Between ragged breaths—

He tasted the salt of her tears.

Evelyn's legs gave out.

She clung to him like a drowning woman to driftwood.

Only when their lungs burned for air—

Did they finally break apart, gasping.

"You—" Ethan's thumb brushed her swollen lips. "Learned how to breathe properly?"

She punched his chest in embarrassment.

He caught her wrist and pinned it against the bed.

"It was Reginald."

Ethan's expression darkened.

He recounted the kidnapping methodically.

With every word—

The murderous glint in Evelyn's eyes intensified.

"That old bastard!" She jerked upright. "And that bitch Beatrice—"

Her fist slammed into the mattress.

Ethan interlaced their fingers.

"Patience." He kissed her knuckles. "We'll settle this account... slowly."