Chapter 316

The forest was alive with untamed wilderness. Towering trees stretched their leafy canopies high above, creating a natural cathedral of green.

Slivers of golden sunlight pierced through the dense foliage, painting dappled patterns on the uneven ground below. The effect was both energizing and strangely peaceful.

The trail ahead was treacherous, every step requiring careful navigation. Loose rocks and tangled roots threatened to trip unwary travelers.

They needed to reach the supply checkpoint before nightfall. Failure meant sleeping on cold, unforgiving stone - a prospect no one relished.

Evelyn Sinclair had no patience for Sophia Laurent's antics today. Yet the younger actress persisted in her unnecessary theatrics.

"Ms. Sinclair," Sophia ventured cautiously, "after everything you and Adrian have been through together, surely there must be some... feelings between you?"

Her overly innocent expression grated on Evelyn's nerves.

Evelyn stopped abruptly on the narrow path, causing Sophia to nearly collide with her. The sudden halt sent birds scattering from nearby branches.

Sophia stumbled back, her face flushing as she regained her balance. She waited, pulse racing, for Evelyn's response.

Evelyn turned slowly, her piercing gaze locking onto Sophia's. "I'm actually younger than you, Sophia. There's no need for formalities - Evelyn is fine."

The unspoken question hung between them: Why the excessive politeness? Sophia paled visibly under Evelyn's scrutiny.

"E-Evelyn, I didn't mean to-" Sophia stammered.

"We're here for survival training," Evelyn cut in smoothly, "not some reality TV romance special. My personal life isn't up for discussion. Our focus should be reaching that checkpoint."

The difference between them became starkly apparent in that moment. Where Sophia fidgeted nervously, Evelyn stood with effortless poise, her quiet confidence radiating authority.

Sophia suddenly felt exposed, as if Evelyn could see straight through her carefully constructed facade. The live audience watching the stream erupted with reactions.

[Queen Evelyn shutting it down! So refreshing!]

[Why is Sophia being so nosy? They're not even friends!]

[You can tell Evelyn's been biting her tongue this whole time]

[Okay but I'm lowkey curious about her and Adrian though...]

[Not Sophia playing innocent when we all know what she's doing]

Unaware of the online commentary, Sophia's cheeks burned with humiliation. She'd miscalculated badly - Evelyn wasn't the spoiled socialite she'd assumed.

Evelyn turned to the cameraman with a serene smile that didn't reach her eyes. Her voice was calm but brooked no argument.

"Edit this segment out."

It wasn't a request. The cameraman nearly fumbled his equipment, mentally cursing the live broadcast limitations.

Sophia remained silent for the rest of the hike, trailing behind Evelyn like a chastened child. The forest seemed to swallow their tense silence whole.