Chapter 111

"I love you, just like you love Evelyn. You can't have her, and I can't have you."

"So if you ask what I want, I just want to stay by your side."

Chloe Valentine's voice was soft, her gaze sincere to the point of vulnerability.

Nathan Evans felt a tremor in his chest. "From now on, I'll take care of you. I won't let you get hurt again."

A faint smile touched her lips as she buried herself in his embrace, arms tightening around his waist. "I know. I've always believed in you."

Nathan held her closer.

Yet an inexplicable heaviness settled in his heart.

He couldn't pinpoint the reason.

......

Hotel staff swiftly handled the incident.

Given the safety concerns, the manager immediately called the police.

Officers questioned everyone involved that same night.

Unsurprisingly, the case was ruled an accident.

"Snakes are common in tropical regions," an officer explained.

"Poisonous ones?" Sophia Laurent countered coldly.

"Well..."

"On a crowded beach? Is that normal?"

Both the officer and hotel manager fell silent.

Sophia smirked. "This is the second time my friend has been endangered on this island. This isn't over! Come on, Evelyn."

She pulled Evelyn Langley away forcefully.

"Don't be angry," Evelyn soothed gently.

"You almost died and you're this calm? I'm more upset than you are!"

Evelyn smiled faintly. "The game isn't won in a single move."

"What do you mean? Do you have a plan?"

"No."

Sophia: "..."

"With all these incidents, I'm really worried..."

"That, I can handle," Evelyn said suddenly.

"How?"

"Guess."

......

After the scare, hunger finally caught up with them.

They headed to the restaurant for a proper meal.

After dinner, Sophia received a call and left beaming for her date.

Evelyn walked alone north along the shoreline.

Five minutes later, twinkling lights came into view.

The rich aroma of spiced broth wafted through the air.

Maldives had spiced delicacies too?

Following the scent, she arrived at a small shop.

The bold calligraphy sign read "Taste Pavilion."

A Chinese-owned business?

Pushing the door open, she found an antique store instead.

The shopkeeper was simmering chicken feet, the fragrance overwhelming.

The space was modest—antiques displayed on shelves by the entrance, the rest cluttered with odd trinkets.

A tiny figurine in gold-rimmed glasses caught Evelyn's eye.

Smaller than her palm, yet every wrinkle on its shirt was lifelike.

"You've got good taste," the shopkeeper greeted warmly. "I made these myself. Perfect souvenirs to take home."