The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

"Still no baby? What's the deal? Is it because you can't have one or just don't want a child?" Blake's smile lingered, but the sarcasm in his voice was razor-

sharp.

To everyone else, it sounded like a brother teasing his little sister. It was nothing more than a harmless joke.

But Blake knew exactly what he was doing. He knew Lucas didn't love Evelyn. That much was obvious. That, in his mind, explained why she was still in a broken marriage and why she didn't have a child.

To him, it was pathetic. And it was practically a joke.

Evelyn's expression finally shifted.

Blake didn't know about her medical issues-how there was a real chance she might never be able to have children. And yet he had chosen to ask this, publicly.

To outsiders, it probably sounded like a well-meaning bit of pressure. But to her, it was nothing less than having an old wound ripped wide open in front of everyone.

One part of that pain was the marriage where she had been ignored and unloved. The other was the cruel truth that her body might never let her become a mother.noveldrama

She knew Blake had done it on purpose, but it was her personal business. She had no interest in giving him the satisfaction of an argument.

And this topic was too sensitive. It was tied to her medical condition, her marriage, and even the pending divorce, which she wasn't legally allowed to mention yet.

Her voice was icy as she responded, "No need for you to worry, Mr. Harrison."

The moment she said "Mr. Harrison", his expression faltered. His brows drew together instinctively, almost like he was caught off guard.

Sebastian stepped in right away, casually sliding between them. His tone was light but pointed. "Evie has always been career-driven. She's got a bigger stage ahead of her. She won't settle for just being someone's wife or a mom. Besides, not being tied down by domestic life sounds like freedom to me."

Blake narrowed his eyes slightly before nodding. "Fair point, Mr. Hill."

Of course, everything Blake said had been heard-clear as day-by Lucas.

His long lashes fluttered, but he didn't glance at Evelyn. His expression remained perfectly composed, untouched by anything going on around him-cold, distant, and untouchable.

Tiffany froze for just a moment. Then, out of the corners of her eyes, she glanced at Evelyn.

There were men who cherished the women they loved-protected them, treasured them, and respected every inch of them. And then there was the opposite.

When a man didn't love a woman, he wouldn't even bother with the basics-not even desire. And certainly not a child.

There wouldn't be a single redeeming thread left in the relationship.

She gave a small, imperceptible smile and shook her head slightly. Then, she shifted back into her relaxed posture with her legs crossed. Her lips curled with just the right amount of polish. Nothing in her expression gave anything away.

The conversation soon turned.

Jessica, still riding the high of their announcement, turned to Tiffany with a smile as she leaned into Blake. "Tiffany, does Mr. Grant like kids?"

Tiffany finally gave a soft laugh, glanced at Lucas with a tender look, and said, "Very much. He even had a nursery included in the house plans."

Jessica raised her eyebrows in amusement and gave her a knowing wink. "Sounds like someone's got plans already."

Tiffany just smiled again, saying nothing more.

Lucas had never been the type to entertain idle small talk about personal matters. He didn't say a word.

Evelyn, of course, caught every word. But none of it affected her anymore.

She looked over at Sebastian and whispered, "We've still got a while before we hit land. I think I'd like to head back."

It was obvious the cruise had overnight rooms prepared for guests. But she didn't want to sleep in this kind of atmosphere. And if she stayed too long, she'd get seasick anyway.

Sebastian glanced at his watch. "Justy's probably downstairs still having fun. We'll go with you. They've got smaller boats ready if anyone wants to return early."

Evelyn shook her head. "No need. You guys can stay and enjoy yourselves. There are a few good potential clients here tonight. It might be worth getting to know them."

Sebastian considered it, then nodded. "Makes sense."

So, Evelyn slipped out quietly without making a scene. But not everyone missed

it.

Brandon noticed her leaving and glanced in the direction she had gone. And after hearing Blake call her "married" earlier, something clicked.

He gave it a second, then turned toward Lucas and said casually, "So, Evelyn's husband he seems to know Mr. Harrison pretty well. How come he didn't show up?"