The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

Bill remembered clearly that Brandon had also been present at the birthday banquet the Miller family hosted. Though thinking about it, there was a good chance he and Evelyn hadn't interacted.

Still, with the right introduction, maybe the two of them could get talking. It wouldn't be anything formal. They could start as just friends. Whatever happened after that was up to fate.

Brandon had never been the type to settle or play around emotionally. If he liked someone, he was sincere about it.

Graham fell silent.

Caleb cleared his throat, offering a rare note of caution. "Marriage and relationships aren't just about timing. You need the right people and the right circumstances. What's the rush?"

"You can afford not to rush. Your son's still young, so marriage and kids are miles down the road," Bill shot back.

Graham tapped the table with a sharp glance. "Evelyn's situation is complicated. Plus, she's still under an identity confidentiality agreement. Whether it's her background or her husband's situation, just keep it to yourselves."

Caleb and Bill both understood what he meant. Not that they needed the reminder as they had more than enough on their plates without sticking their noses into someone else's business.

Bill got it. Even if he wanted to play matchmaker, he'd have to tread lightly and let things unfold naturally. At best, he could drop hints or nudge a little but nothing

more.

After resolving a technical issue at Flying Seal Group, Evelyn sat down with Sebastian to discuss the bid Caleb had mentioned.

Sebastian had heard of Caleb from Graham-Caleb was a big deal. For him to personally meet with Evelyn was a clear signal that he held both her and Flying Seal Group in high regard.

He quickly looked into the bidding event and learned that it was scheduled for the following week. If they got the deal, it could open major doors for Flying Seal Group in the national market. He was all in.

He then said, frowning slightly, "Still, this bid is open nationwide. We'll be up against top-tier companies. Honestly, our odds aren't great."

Evelyn nodded. "That's true."

But the opportunity was massive. Just being tied to a military-endorsed civilian project would give Flying Seal Group a serious boost. It wasn't something they could pass up.

...

By Wednesday morning, the weather had turned. Rain had fallen over Clementon the night before, leaving the air damp and bone-chilling.

The joint project with TechNova Group was in its final stage. The product launch was already scheduled, but some last-minute data and performance testing still needed in-person supervision.

As the project's lead, Evelyn had to be on-site to help wrap it up. She headed over with Sebastian to TechNova Group's headquarters.

Back inside the familiar building, Sebastian teased her under his breath, "You know, you're technically the most low-key major shareholder here. You should be rooting for TechNova Group to make big money."

After all, she now held real equity in the company.

When decisions needed to be made, the stake she held-and the partial management rights that came with them—would make her a highly desirable ally.

Even though Lucas had poached someone from their team, they couldn't exactly wish financial ruin on TechNova Group.noveldrama

Soon after, Jacob came down to meet with Sebastian and discuss the project's final wrap-up.

Evelyn planned to check out the 3D sample room. She needed to cross from the main building to another wing to get there.

Just as she stepped outside, a sharp gust of wind hit her. The chill sank into her bones. She tugged her coat tighter around her shoulders. She was just about to move forward when a black-and-white Rolls-Royce pulled up near the entrance.

Lucas stepped out of the car and spotted her immediately. His face betrayed no emotion, and his expression was cool and distant.

Evelyn assumed he'd walk right past her like always. Instead, he started walking straight toward her. Seeing that, her brows furrowed slightly.

He stopped in front of her and asked casually, "Did you just get here?"

Evelyn didn't understand why he was initiating small talk. "Yeah," she answered curtly, her tone colder than usual.

Lucas glanced at her pale profile and then at the coat she was wearing. "Aren't you cold? You're dressed pretty lightly for this weather."

This time, Evelyn actually turned and looked at him, her brows still furrowed together. She couldn't tell what he was doing.

Were those words of concern?