Chapter 358

Nathan's lips hovered mere inches from Evelyn's when a piercing ringtone shattered the intimate moment. The sudden interruption made them both freeze. Evelyn's eyes flew open, her cheeks flushing crimson as she quickly turned her face away. Nathan let out a heavy exhale, clearing his throat as he too averted his gaze.

Without a word, he guided Evelyn toward the pool's edge. With effortless strength, he lifted her onto the deck before climbing out himself. Evelyn sat awkwardly, avoiding Nathan's eyes as he grabbed his towel. His brow furrowed slightly when he glanced at the caller ID.

After a beat, he answered with a clipped tone. "Yes?"

The voice on the other end was frantic. "Nathan! Serena's been taken!"

Shock flashed across Nathan's face. "What did you say?"

"Some men in black grabbed her from the mall parking lot!" Dylan's voice was tight with urgency.

"I'm coming." Nathan didn't waste another second. He ended the call without further questions.

Turning to Evelyn, his voice was brisk. "Serena's been kidnapped. I have to go."

He grabbed his towel and headed for the exit without waiting for her response.

"Wait!" Evelyn's hand shot out, gripping his wrist. Her expression was calm but firm. "If Serena's been kidnapped, you should call the police first—not rush in alone!"

Nathan paused, his gaze unreadable. "I still have to go."

Evelyn's grip tightened, her eyes clouding with hurt. "So nothing will stop you?" she asked softly.

Nathan's eyes darkened. "No."

Gently pulling his wrist free, he walked away without another word. His sense of responsibility toward Serena had always been unwavering. Ignoring this wasn't an option.

Evelyn stood frozen, her heart sinking as she watched him leave. The weight of disappointment pressed heavily on her chest, making it hard to breathe. A bitter laugh escaped her lips. She should have known. When it came to Serena, Nathan always dropped everything.

What chance did she have against the lingering power of first love?

Her laugh turned self-mocking as she slowly rose from the pool's edge. Chaotic thoughts swirled in her mind, drowning her in insecurity and frustration. Distracted and not watching her step on the wet surface, she suddenly slipped.

With a gasp, she lost her balance and plunged back into the water. The loud splash shattered the pool's stillness as she disappeared beneath the surface. Panic seized her immediately.

"Help! Someone help!" Evelyn flailed wildly, struggling to keep her head above water. The pool swallowed her cries as water rushed into her mouth and nose. The suffocating pressure squeezed her chest, her lungs burning for air.

Her arms thrashed desperately, but the water seemed determined to drag her down. Each second made her feel heavier, colder. As despair crept in—her mind screaming that this might be the end—a voice cut through the chaos.

"Mrs. Black!" A maid's alarmed cry echoed across the pool area. "Help! Mrs. Black is drowning!" The servant shouted before diving into the water.