Chapter 109

The hiss of a snake's tongue pierced the silence.

Evelyn Langley had just accepted the gift box when a black-and-white banded krait suddenly struck out. Its sinuous body coiled, venomous fangs glinting coldly.

"Look out!"

She instinctively flung the box away—too late.

The serpent lunged through the air, aiming straight for her slender wrist.

Chaos erupted instantly. The host shrieked and stumbled backward as the audience dissolved into panic.

Two figures surged forward simultaneously.

Nathan Evans was closer. In one fluid motion, he yanked Evelyn into his arms. His movement left the back of his neck completely exposed to the snake's strike.

"Move!"

Chloe Valentine's shout sliced through the air.

She threw herself forward without hesitation, shielding Nathan's back with her body.

The fangs sank deep into her calf.

"Ugh..." Chloe gasped, her face draining of color. She staggered, collapsing into Nathan's arms.

"Are you insane?" Nathan's voice shook.

Chloe managed a weak smile. "You're...safe...that's what matters..."

Blood seeped from the wound, staining her white dress crimson.

Nathan's pupils constricted. Dropping to one knee, he clamped a hand above the injury. "Hold on. Medics are coming."

Chloe's breathing grew ragged. Her trembling fingers clutched his collar. "Don't...worry..."

Before she could finish, darkness claimed her.

"Chloe!" Nathan's shout cracked with desperation. "Medevac! Now!"

The medical team arrived at last. After emergency treatment, they rushed the stretcher toward the helipad.

Nathan never released Chloe's hand, leaping into the helicopter after her.

As rotor blades thundered overhead, Sophia Laurent curled her lip. "What an Oscar-worthy performance."

She turned to Evelyn.

The girl stood frozen, as if her soul had fled. Her lashes fluttered while watching the departing aircraft.

Every flicker of Nathan's panic, anguish, and terror had seared itself into her vision.

"Evelyn?" Sophia touched her shoulder.

Evelyn mechanically shook her head. "I'm fine."

Her attempted smile felt like lifting lead weights.

"Let's go." The whisper barely carried.

Sophia frowned, wrapping an arm around her friend's slender frame. "Alright. Home."

The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the ground. Evelyn never looked back.