Chapter 345

Sophia Laurent's eyes widened in shock as she stared up at Adrian Blackwood. His expression was deadly serious, not a trace of amusement in his piercing gaze. He stepped aside wordlessly, granting her passage.

The contract terms flashed through her mind. She knew she couldn't back out now. No one would believe her pathetic acting anymore.

It was painfully obvious to everyone how Sophia had manipulated the show's direction to target Evelyn Sinclair specifically.

Biting her lower lip until it nearly bled, Sophia cast one last desperate glance at the stone-faced Nathan Blackwood. His attention remained fixed elsewhere, never once acknowledging her presence.

With hesitant steps, Sophia moved toward the edge, each footfall heavier than the last. She kept looking back, silently begging for someone - anyone - to stop her.

Her final pleading gaze landed on Evelyn, who stood gripping the railing with pale knuckles. Evelyn's eyes were closed, one hand pressed against her chest, clearly struggling with her own discomfort. She showed no concern whatsoever about Sophia's impending jump.

A strangled sob escaped Sophia's throat as she finally took the plunge.

Her blood-curdling scream shattered the mountain's tranquility, echoing endlessly through the valley. The live audience erupted in commentary.

(They should've had Mr. Blackwood push her! That would've been priceless!)

(Coming in fourth really bruised his ego, huh? Serves him right!)

(Didn't Sophia brag about being an extreme sports enthusiast in episode one? Now she's scared of heights? What a fraud!)

(My heart breaks for Evelyn - she told the truth and still got dragged into this mess!)

(Mr. Blackwood clearly regrets that divorce. He hasn't taken his eyes off Evelyn since they arrived!)

Nathan noticed Evelyn's worsening pallor and immediately summoned assistance. As others rushed to her side, he lingered behind, watching her every move with hawk-like intensity.

When Evelyn stumbled slightly, a flicker of remorse crossed Nathan's features. He reached out instinctively, but Evelyn sidestepped his touch with surprising agility.

Her crimson-rimmed eyes burned into his with unprecedented fury. "Stay the hell away from me." The venom in her voice was new - a stark departure from her usual polite indifference.

This reaction cut deeper than Nathan expected. Regret pooled in his gut, but he knew any apology would only earn him further scorn. Evelyn would never believe his sincerity now.

Pressing his lips into a thin line, Nathan fell into step behind her. "Are you angry?"

"What gave it away?" Evelyn snapped. "I just needed to cool off, that's all. Don't worry your pretty little head about me."

The weak excuse hung awkwardly between them. Evelyn suddenly whirled around, her glare sharp enough to draw blood. "Let me guess - you wanted me to jump too, didn't you? You bastard! Taking your petty anger out on me like some spoiled child!"

Nathan's eyebrows arched, though Evelyn couldn't see the expression beneath his dark sunglasses. Truthfully, he'd only wanted her attention for a few more seconds. Being her fourth choice stung, but her complete indifference hurt far worse.

"Of course not," he lied smoothly.

"Bullshit," Evelyn spat. Neither mentioned the accidental kiss during their tandem fall - an unspoken agreement to ignore what couldn't be taken back.

As Evelyn turned to leave, her legs suddenly buckled. White spots danced across her vision as the world tilted dangerously.

She collapsed without warning.

Nathan lunged forward, catching her limp form effortlessly. Panic creased his forehead as he assessed her condition. Without hesitation, he scooped her into his arms and sprinted toward the waiting vehicles.

Evelyn's assistant Gabrielle and the driver stood ready by the car. Their faces drained of color at the sight of their unconscious boss in Nathan's arms.