The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

As Evelyn and her group made their way to the top deck, the guests at the engagement party were enjoying themselves, their glasses clinking in celebration.

Blake's engagement party was grand, with many attendees. The atmosphere was already heating up.

Evelyn spotted Blake across the room. Even on such an important day, he looked as relaxed as ever. His expression didn't show a hint of nervousness. With one hand casually tucked in his pocket, he seemed aloof. Beside him, Jessica appeared lively and cheerful.

For some reason, Blake's gaze shifted to Evelyn. At that moment, his eyes locked on hers-intense and almost predatory. Then, he smiled. It was both charming and mocking.noveldrama

Evelyn decided to ignore him and turned to look for Harry, wondering if he had arrived yet. Just as she was about to look away, she caught sight of Lucas standing at an angle behind her, with Tiffany by his side. They were both elegantly dressed.

They had apparently arrived unnoticed. A crowd had gathered around them, but it was hard to miss the way Lucas casually raised his eyes, meeting her gaze for a brief moment. His gaze was cold and distant—almost as if he didn't recognize her.

With the light behind him, he carried himself with the calm detachment of someone used to being in control. His attitude was casual but undeniably commanding.

That was when Evelyn remembered that Tiffany was close friends with Jessica, so it made sense that they'd both be at the engagement party. She didn't pay them any more attention, instead moving toward Sebastian and the others. She'd already seen a number of familiar faces.

Justine had already made the rounds, adding several people to her WhatsApp. Sebastian, having just seen off some acquaintances, looked at Evelyn and said, "Stop looking around. Harry didn't come, but Brandon and his crew are here."

He gestured toward a direction, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's like they're all one big happy family, chatting away like they're inseparable. You'd think Brandon and them were actually family."

Arrowpoint Solutions was still trying to poach employees from their company under the guise of voluntary interaction, and it was happening at every corner.

Sebastian didn't even curse them out, which was probably as polite as he could get.

Evelyn didn't feel like looking in their direction. She figured she had already ripped off the facade over her relationship with Brandon at the last meeting, so there was no need to maintain any pretense.

Though Harry hadn't come, she wasn't about to let the evening pass by without making use of the opportunity.

The moment Brandon saw Evelyn, he couldn't contain his anger. Since the incident at the Miller family's birthday banquet, he had been fuming. He still didn't understand why Evelyn had treated him with such disdain. It made it seem like she was too good for him. She was simply inflating her own worth.

He sneered and took another drink, feeling the tension in his chest.

The engagement party, while seemingly a formal occasion, was held in a more relaxed and youthful manner. It was probably planned by Jessica. The event started with an energetic dance.

Blake, raised in a family that prided themselves on elite training, had no trouble leading the way as he danced with Jessica.

Jessica, in high spirits, beamed. "Everyone, tonight is my engagement with Blake. We've finally gotten together, and I hope everyone here can find someone they connect with as well."

Evelyn didn't even look at the stage and sat in a corner beside Sebastian. She had no intention of getting involved in the hype.

Justine suddenly nudged her, grinning. "Look over there."

Evelyn turned her head.

Tiffany and Lucas were sitting together, surrounded by a number of men who were eager to invite her to dance. The attention on her was palpable, and she seemed completely accustomed to it. Her demeanor was composed and elegant as she gracefully smiled.

Her gaze swept the room and, by accident, landed on Evelyn's quiet corner. The contrast between their two groups was stark. Where Evelyn sat, it was almost like the corner of the room was devoid of life.

Tiffany couldn't help but let out a quiet scoff before turning her attention back to Lucas.

She raised an eyebrow at him, her tone playful yet gentle as she teased, "Lucas, do you mind if I dance with other gentlemen?"

The surrounding people suddenly realized what she was implying. She was clearly seeking permission, worried about making her boyfriend jealous.

Lucas, who had been absentmindedly looking around, finally lifted his gaze. However, before he could answer, a smooth and sincere voice cut through the noise.

"Ms. Reed, would you honor me with a dance?"