The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

Brandon's question came out of nowhere, catching everyone off guard. Even Tiffany couldn't help but glance over.

She instinctively looked to Lucas, only to find that he remained completely unmoved. His posture was relaxed, his demeanor detached. "You'd have to ask Ms. Reed herself, Mr. Connor."

Brandon raised his glass with a chuckle. "Come on, I barely know her. That'd be a little much."

Lucas didn't respond. He simply clinked glasses with Brandon, still calm and composed as though the topic of Evelyn didn't interest him in the slightest.

Tiffany raised a brow. She wasn't surprised-only amused.

Elsewhere on the yacht, Blake had just heard that Evelyn had left. He froze for a second. Then, he pulled out a cigarette as he replied, "Alright, got it."

He stared out at the dark sea, inhaling and exhaling smoke. Several cigarette butts accumulated at his feet.

Evelyn hadn't said a single word to him all night—no accusations, no complaints, and no attempts to argue. She hadn't even shown the slightest reaction to his engagement.

After a long while, someone came looking for him. Jessica was asking for him.

Blake crushed the last cigarette under his foot with a cold expression before he headed back toward the deck.

...

Brian came upstairs from the lower level, only to find Evelyn already gone. When he asked a nearby staff member, they told him she had already left the boat.

He leaned against the railing with his phone in hand. They hadn't exchanged numbers. He hadn't even really introduced himself. Still-if he really wanted to, there would be another chance. His gaze wandered and landed on Sebastian chatting in the distance.

He came up with an idea. Then, Brian walked over and greeted Sebastian.

They hadn't met before, but since Brian had been friendly with Evelyn earlier, Sebastian's impression of Brian wasn't bad. "Mr. Carter, right?"

Brian raised his glass. "I've heard great things about you, Mr. Hill. Glad to finally meet you in person. Mind if I get your number?"

Sebastian raised a brow. "Not at all."noveldrama

They exchanged contacts.

Brian was about to casually bring up Evelyn and maybe ask if it was okay to give him Evelyn's number when Brandon and the others strolled over.

"Are you two exchanging numbers?" Brandon had seen them do it earlier.

Lucas glanced at Brian, and Tiffany's eyes lingered briefly on him as well.

Brian realized everyone had noticed. There was no way he could just add Sebastian's number and not say something to the rest. So, unfazed, he smiled and said, "Actually, I was just thinking I should connect with Mr. Grant and everyone else, if that's alright."

Lucas, aware of who he was, didn't object. He gave a polite nod. "That's fine."

Tiffany, catching the shift in tone and Brian's casual maneuver, paused thoughtfully and looked at him more closely.

She had a feeling about what he was really after, but she wasn't surprised. With a graceful smile, she pulled out her phone. "Sure."

...

Evelyn had already taken the small boat back to shore and was met by a private car that drove her back into the city.

The next morning, she arrived at Flying Seal Group for work and found Justine nursing a hangover.

"I ended up staying late," Justine said with a groan. "We had another round, but we met some pretty solid industry folks, though. It wasn't a total waste."

Seeing how miserable she looked, Evelyn made her a mug of honey lemon water. Sebastian emerged from his office. "I spent the night on the yacht. Good thing you left early. It felt like my stomach was floating the whole time."

Evelyn laughed and pointed at the honey lemon water. "Do you want some?"

He shamelessly poured himself a glass and handed his phone to Justine. "Staring

at screens is making my head spin. Help me text Mr. York that we've got that site visit this afternoon."

Justine grumbled and rolled off her chair to send the message.

After confirming the appointment, she absentmindedly scrolled through Instagram Stories. A few swipes later, she froze.

"Wait, Tiffany and Lucas slept in the same room last night?"

Evelyn looked up.

Justine spun the phone around. "She posted this."

It was a photo of a suite's window view. Reflected faintly in the glass window was Lucas, sitting on the couch behind her.

The caption read, "A quiet drink with someone who puts your heart at ease—this must be happiness."

It was posted at 2:00 am.

A single man and woman, alone together late at night. They weren't exactly being subtle anymore.

Evelyn quietly looked away, her expression calm. It was the first time she had seen Tiffany so openly imply they had spent the night together.

"They're getting to work on that baby plan already, huh?" Justine scoffed. "You think Mrs. Grant Senior is gonna let some illegitimate kid be part of the family?"

Jessica had literally asked about kids the night before. Apparently, the plan was already in motion.

Evelyn stood and answered flatly, "Big families value heirs. If Tiffany really does get pregnant, they'll probably accept it."

Especially considering that Evelyn had been married for three years and never had children. Anything was possible now. And Lucas would clear every obstacle for Tiffany.

Justine didn't know how to respond.

Sebastian flicked her forehead. "Sometimes, not being the chosen one is actually a blessing. A man who cheats once will cheat again. It'd be for the best if the two

of them end up hurting each other in the end."

Justine held her head and nodded slowly.

As for Evelyn-the woman at the center of it all-she showed no curiosity about Lucas or Tiffany. She dove into her work like nothing had happened.

The new project was already in the planning phase. And once again, she'd be taking full charge.

On Tuesday afternoon, Evelyn had a meeting scheduled with Graham. They were set to meet for dinner.

Evelyn didn't know who had asked to meet her, only that anyone who could get through Graham was bound to be someone worth meeting.

She arrived at the restaurant before 7:00 pm. It was a discreet restaurant with private rooms, known for its exclusivity.

She stepped into the private room, and for the first time in a long while, she was genuinely surprised by the person sitting beside Graham.