Chapter 269

Evelyn's eyes burned with unshed tears.

They must believe I'm gone.

Father and my brothers... they're probably devastated.

Adrian paused mid-motion, studying her face.

Her expression of hopelessness twisted something in his chest.

"We should hold onto some optimism—"

"What optimism?" Evelyn lifted her gaze, her eyes shimmering like the ocean under moonlight.

Adrian hesitated before speaking. "History records numerous cases of people surviving open-water swims."

"Would you stop talking nonsense?!"

"Fine..." Evelyn collapsed onto a bed of leaves and drifted into exhausted slumber.

When Leo sensed the danger had passed, he wriggled from Evelyn's pocket to investigate their surroundings.

Adrian snatched the tiny creature with lightning reflexes. "Eve carries a pet around?"

Leo's paws flailed indignantly. "Release me! I'm no pet—I'm a tiger!"

Adrian's eyes gleamed with amusement. "A talking mechanical tiger!"

Leo's whiskers quivered with outrage. This insult to his feline dignity was unbearable! "I'm one hundred percent genuine tiger!"

Chuckling, Adrian swung Leo by his tail like a pendulum, enjoying the creature's furious protests.

"Mama! Rescue me! I'm being murdered!"

Adrian clamped a hand over Leo's mouth, casting a guilty glance at the sleeping Evelyn before exhaling in relief.

"Quiet!" He released Leo, who landed with an offended huff.

The once-pristine AI companion was now covered in grime, his former adorable appearance barely recognizable.

Leo tilted his head, studying Adrian with sudden recognition. "I know you! Adrian Blackwood—the adventure documentarian!"

"Your series won five consecutive Golden Globe awards. You've got millions of followers worldwide!" Leo continued proudly. "Also, you're the great-nephew of Blackwood Enterprises' chairman. Old money aristocracy."

Adrian's initial surprise darkened at the last remark. "You're quite the little informant." When his family connections first leaked years ago, he'd paid dearly to bury the information.

"Naturally! My database accesses all publicly available information. If it exists online, I know it!"

Adrian lifted Leo to eye level. "You won't tell Eve about Nathan being my uncle, or..."

"Do indigenous tribes enjoy tiger meat, I wonder?"

Leo's eyes bulged. "You wouldn't dare threaten a noble beast!"

Adrian smirked. "Wouldn't I?"

Leo's bravado faltered.

"Mama despises the Blackwoods most of all! You're terrified she'll abandon you if rescuers arrive, aren't you?"

Adrian raised an eyebrow. This clever construct could read him disturbingly well.

For the first time in days, Evelyn slept deeply, free from nightmares of tribal cooking fires.

The crashing waves and howling wind eventually roused her.

Her first sight upon waking was Leo crouched beside her, his round eyes blinking owlishly. When she reached out, he leaped into her palm, nuzzling her affectionately.

Adrian returned with seawater.

"Mama, I adore you."

Evelyn stretched with a smile. "Love you too, sweetheart."

Adrian began distilling drinkable water—a necessity since Evelyn couldn't stomach seawater like he could.

Evelyn refused to remain idle. She scavenged reflective stones from the beach, arranging them into a massive SOS signal on nearby boulders.

Just in case any search aircraft passed overhead.

Leo grudgingly assisted, pushing pebbles with his tiny paws.

"Mr. Blackwood—"

"Call me Adrian." He sipped precious freshwater, flashing a charming grin. His natural charisma put Evelyn at ease.

"Alright... Adrian." She hesitated. "If we survive this, is there anything you'd like? I'll make it happen."

Adrian met her gaze solemnly. "I need funds."