The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

Evelyn could feel the pressure around her wrist. It was not painful but strong enough to remind her who was in control. Even though Lucas' tone was still smooth and light, almost teasing, it didn't sit right with her.

She didn't like this-not one bit.

Her reaction this time was even sharper than before. She jerked her hand free, hard. The lingering heat from his touch slowly faded off her skin.

Without hesitation, she pulled off the blindfold and met his cold, deep-set eyes.

"This is how we've always acted in public, isn't it?" she said, keeping her voice polite even as her irritation flickered just beneath the surface. "Mr. Grant, we don't have any chemistry. Let's just call it quits on the game."

She didn't care how he looked at her after that. She turned and walked straight out of the circle of party guests.

As for that question he asked her earlier, she actually found it kind of funny. All these years, whenever they crossed paths at public events, he would always ignore her and act like they didn't know each other. They acted like strangers, through and through-always pretending and always avoiding.

Now, he wanted to turn it around on her? Besides, wasn't that exactly what the agreement they signed meant?

Lucas watched her walk away, his expression unreadable. Then, he turned around and headed back to where Tiffany was.

Brian had been keeping an eye on Evelyn the whole time. The moment he noticed both she and Lucas were done with the game, he lowered his eyes in thought. He hadn't gotten her number yet.

He debated whether walking up to her now would feel intrusive or maybe put her in an awkward spot. That was rare for him to even consider someone else's feelings so carefully.

While he was still thinking it over, his phone rang. It was an important call.

His gaze flicked to Evelyn, who had just sat down. His sharp eyes lifted ever so slightly in amusement.

Fine. He'd take the call first.

Evelyn had barely sat down when Sebastian leaned over and asked, "What did he

say to you? Did he bring up poaching our people?"

Her eyes narrowed a little, then she shook her head. "No. Not a word."

She wasn't surprised.

Lucas never explained anything. Even if he crossed the line or hit someone where

it hurt, it never mattered to him. He didn't care enough to justify it.

Sebastian took a sip of his drink and let out a cold laugh. "So, we just have to swallow this in silence? The guy's ruthless."

Lucas never made a scene but always made his opponents feel the impact of his actions.

Evelyn didn't respond. She was about to check the time when Blake's voice rang out across the venue.

"Thanks, everyone, for taking the time to join me and Jessica for our engagement celebration. I hope you're all having a good time. While I've got you, we want to share a little surprise with you tonight."

Blake stood tall. He was effortlessly charming, speaking at just the right volume to grab everyone's attention.

Evelyn looked over instinctively. She was just another guest in the crowd, so her expression was calm and neutral.

Blake pulled Jessica close, his lips curving into a slow smile. "Jessica's pregnant. So, today's a double celebration."

The moment he said it, the room burst into applause and congratulations.

Jessica beamed as she nestled against him, her face glowing with joy and affection.

Evelyn wasn't surprised. They had been together a long time and were clearly on the path to marriage. A pregnancy felt expected, and, of course, Jessica would keep it.

Evelyn was just about to look away when she noticed Blake staring directly at her. He didn't even try to hide it.

His eyes were full of something volatile. It churned beneath the surface, eventually settling into a kind of dark, cutting sarcasm that felt like it could slice right through skin and bone.

Maybe there was hatred in there too. Evelyn couldn't even tell anymore if he was happy or not.

Then, Blake let out a soft chuckle. "I wanted to share this good news with everyone, and I truly hope all of you find happiness in your own lives. But of course, the person on my mind the most today... is my sister."

As his words landed, all eyes, especially Jessica's, turned to Evelyn.

Blake smiled, but it was a little too bright. "Evie, you've been married for a few years now, haven't you? Jessica and I are already having a baby. Don't you think it's time to catch up?"noveldrama

Evelyn's brows drew together. She hadn't expected Blake to turn the spotlight on her like that, especially not over something so personal and in front of a crowd.