The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

The engagement party was still in full swing.

It was a fully modern celebration, complete with a lineup of lively games designed

to keep the energy high. The crowd was buzzing, laughter and chatter blending with upbeat music.

However, Blake never came over to speak to Evelyn throughout the entire party.

This was their first time seeing each other since that last ugly fallout, and now, out of nowhere, he was hosting this engagement party.

They had more than a decade of family history between them, which was the only reason Evelyn had chosen to handle things with dignity. Grown-ups lived in shades of gray, not black and white. Estrangement didn't always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it just happened quietly, without a sound.

She came partly because of Harry and partly to send a message. She didn't want Blake meddling in Flying Seal Group anymore. Her presence here was to make one thing crystal clear. To her, he was nothing more than a relative who had once been kind. She had long since drawn the line and moved on.

There was no question of whether she minded or had let it go. She knew that by showing up tonight, Blake would get the message.

As far as she was concerned, she was just another guest at the party-no different from anyone else.

More people were starting to gather in one area of the room. Just then, Evelyn got a message from Charles about a tech issue. She kept her head down to reply to it, choosing not to join the crowd.

By the time she looked up, the attention had shifted to Blake and Jessica, with Lucas and Tiffany standing nearby.

Someone asked Blake how he and Jessica got together.

Blake leaned back, speaking casually. "Jessica's a great woman. When I was at my lowest, she was the only one who stuck by me. Most people in this world aren't exactly loyal when things go south. Women like her are rare. She has done so much for me, and I figured I owed her something. I had to step up."

He glanced in Evelyn's direction, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "If you hurt someone who truly cares about you, life will find a way to return the favor."

Jessica's cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment.

People wanted to ask more, but Blake grinned and changed the topic. His eyes slid toward the corner where Evelyn stood. "This party's meant to be fun and easy-going. No point grilling just the two of us. Personally, I'm dying to hear about Lucas' love life."

The shift worked.

Everyone turned toward Lucas, and naturally, their eyes landed on Tiffany.noveldrama

Caught a bit off guard, Tiffany gave a small laugh and shook her head. "Don't put us on the spot. Let's not steal your thunder tonight."

Lucas stayed quiet, likely going along with her lead.

"Well, isn't that a classic case of him dancing to her tune?" Justine scoffed with her arms crossed.

Blake asked about Lucas' past relationships, but he didn't even mention Tiffany. Yet she was so quick to claim the title.

Everyone knew what she was trying to do.

Evelyn didn't even glance up. She had zero interest in the conversation.

Just then, someone suggested another round of party games. The idea was simple-all they had to do was win the game and it would be considered a blessing for the newly engaged couple. Most of the crowd was young and eager, so it didn't take long before they acted on the suggestion.

Justine tugged Evelyn along to join in the fun. They were drawing lots to match people and choose the game.

Evelyn pulled out a slip, and it turned out to be the blindfolded feeding game.

She wasn't exactly a social butterfly and didn't feel comfortable doing something like that with a stranger. She leaned over to ask Justine if she wanted to take her place.

But before she could say anything, Jessica had already noticed what she had drawn and come over with a bright smile, slipping the blindfold over Evelyn's eyes. "You have to draw your partner blind too."

Evelyn didn't argue and drew a number at random. She had no idea who she was paired with.

But as the room quieted for a couple of seconds, she had a feeling. Then, she caught the faint, familiar scent in the air-cool, clean, and unmistakably him.

She froze.

The realization made her brows furrow. Then, his voice came from above her. "What's the holdup?"

Evelyn couldn't figure out why Lucas had come over. "You could've said no." His tone was calm and unbothered. "It's for Blake's party. I'm just playing along." She couldn't argue with that. It was a public event, and no one knew about their complicated history. Making a scene would only draw attention. She'd look petty.

The fact that she ended up matched with Lucas wasn't a secret-Tiffany and the others already knew.

When Brandon showed up, he asked curiously, "Tiffany, Evelyn's paired with Lucas. Are you okay with that?"

Tiffany didn't flinch. "It's not a big deal."

"I was the one who told Lucas to go. Evelyn was standing alone, and it looked a little awkward."

Brandon nodded, finally understanding the situation. That made sense. If Tiffany hadn't given her approval, Lucas probably wouldn't have gone over. So, it was true-when a woman was loved, she carried herself with quiet confidence.

Brian had just gotten off the phone when he noticed what was going on. "Does Mr. Grant know Ms. Reed?" he asked, puzzled.

Brandon frowned, stealing a glance at Tiffany. Should he say it? Should he mention that it was more of a one-sided thing on Evelyn's part?

Tiffany noticed and studied Brian. He was clearly someone with status and was familiar with Brandon too. He was probably someone important.

"And you are?" she asked politely.

That was when Brian finally noticed Tiffany standing beside him. "Sorry, didn't see you there. I'm Brian."

Didn't see her? Tiffany gave a faint smile, unfazed. She had heard that one before -usually from people trying to play coy.

But now, she was starting to understand why he had made such a show of asking Evelyn to dance earlier.

Brandon, seeing Brian hadn't introduced himself properly, kept quiet about his identity.

Back in the game zone, Evelyn was still blindfolded and completely disoriented.

The food was just fruit, and the game was meant to be a light-hearted bonding activity for the newly engaged couple and other couples in the crowd. Somehow, she ended up matched with Lucas. She kept trying but couldn't get it right.

Eventually, she gave up on playing nice. She reached up, ready to take off the blindfold.

"Are you getting impatient?" Lucas' laid-back voice drifted down. He almost sounded like he was laughing.

Evelyn frowned.

He had probably bent down a little to meet her halfway. "Don't you know how tall I am? You still can't find me?"

She could feel his presence inching closer, the warmth of his breath brushing past her. She tensed behind the blindfold and instinctively stepped back, but his hand caught her wrist.

It was firm, warm, and effortless.

He pulled her gently back.

"Evelyn, are you trying to avoid me?" he murmured.