The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

Evelyn helped Maria sit down and then said, "I'll take care of myself. You don't have to worry."

Maria touched Evelyn's wrist, and her concern was evident as she said, "This is what you call taking care of yourself? Just look at how much weight you've lost. Besides, having a baby takes a toll on a woman's body.

"If you're this weak now, pregnancy would be even tougher on you. You should start taking care of your health early."

She was already thinking ahead.

Evelyn didn't know how to respond. Maria still hoped she would give the Grant family an heir. But that was never going to happen. The divorce was inevitable. Even if they were to stay married, her body wouldn't allow it.

Noticing Evelyn's silence, Maria hesitated for a moment before lowering her voice. "Evie, you and Lucas have been married for three years now, and there's still no baby. Maybe... it's time for a check-up? Have Lucas go with you."

Worried she might take it the wrong way, Maria quickly added, "Just to be sure. If there's any issue, it's better to catch it early, right?"

It was clear that despite how much she cared for Evelyn, passing on the Grant name was still her priority.

Evelyn froze for a second, understanding Maria's concerns. No matter how much love she received, she would always be an outsider in the Grant family. Just as she was about to bring up the divorce to ease Maria into the idea, a voice interrupted.

"Mr. Grant is back," a housekeeper announced.

Lucas strode in, his deep gaze lingering on Evelyn for a moment. He had his suit jacket draped over his arm, looking as composed as ever. He walked straight to her side. "Grandma, traffic was bad, so it took me longer to get here."

Evelyn immediately noticed that his arm brushed against hers. She shifted slightly away.

Lucas caught the small movement but didn't react.

At dinner, Maria peeled some lobster meat and placed it on Evelyn's plate. She said, "Eat more, dear. This year, let's put in the effort. It would be nice to have good news by the end of the year."

Evelyn hesitated.

Lucas, without missing a beat, placed a piece of shrimp on Grandma's plate. "Try this, Grandma. It's got a nice, fresh crunch."

Maria shot him a look. She wasn't stupid. She knew he was trying to change the subject.

"Don't try to change the topic! You're old enough. When are you going to be ready to be a father?" she questioned.

Lucas smirked and then said, "We'll see."

Evelyn focused on her plate.

Lucas was a master at dodging these conversations.

After dinner, Maria insisted Evelyn rest upstairs.

She hadn't planned on staying the night. She glanced at Lucas, hoping he would make up an excuse for her. But he didn't even look up, too absorbed in whatever was on his laptop at the kitchen counter.

Evelyn gave up. It didn't matter anyway. Lucas always left once it got late. He wasn't going to stay.noveldrama

There was a bedroom meant for both of them, but Sophia had arranged for her to sleep in a guest room the last time she stayed over. This time, Maria personally led her to the master bedroom. Evelyn couldn't show any reaction.

Lucas still hadn't come upstairs even after she had taken a shower. She figured he was just waiting for Maria to turn in before sneaking off to be with Tiffany.

Her phone alarm went off. It was a reminder to take her medication. She grabbed the pill bottle and headed downstairs. As she reached the staircase landing, she overheard a conversation. Sharron was speaking to Lucas.

Sharron had never understood why Maria favored Evelyn so much, especially when it came to the topic of children.

"What are your thoughts?" Sharron asked, skeptical.

Lucas didn't look up from his laptop, still scrolling through data. "What are you referring to?"

Sharron frowned and asked, "Are you seriously thinking about having a child with Evelyn? Once the baby's here, there's no undoing it. Cutting ties with her won't be so easy then. I know you don't even like her that much."

Lucas never could love a woman who had schemed her way into his life. He barely held back his resentment.

He took a slow sip of his drink, neither agreeing nor denying. "So, are you going against Grandma now?"

Sharron sighed. "I'm just thinking about what's best for you. Sure, Evelyn looks decent and has a calm personality, but let's be honest-her background isn't great, and her education is average at best. Having a child isn't just about looks. It's about genetics.

"Strong genes are what really matter. Someone like Tiffany-highly intelligent and accomplished-would be a real advantage for the next generation."