The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

Once the thought crossed Tiffany's mind, she couldn't help but glance at

Sebastian, who was seated nearby and clapping enthusiastically. She rarely saw

a tech researcher go all out to prop up someone so unrelated.

Mason leaned in and whispered, "Isn't Sebastian being a little excessive, hyping Evelyn up so much?"

Lucas shot him a look. He was waiting for Mason to continue.

Mason was uncertain at this point. He frowned and said, "He's not seriously planning to bring Evelyn into the Hill family, is he? Is he grooming her, polishing her up to look dazzling enough to barely scrape by the Hill family's academic standards?"

Otherwise, he couldn't fathom why Sebastian was pushing Evelyn forward.

After all, Evelyn was just an average housewife in the past. Even her stint in Bluezen's PR department had been a favor from her in-laws. Now, Sebastian was handing her projects and letting her shine as the lead. Wasn't he just gilding her resume?

Jason caught the implication in Mason's words. He didn't know much about Sebastian and Evelyn's relationship.

However, Evelyn was genuinely talented. If Sebastian had spent enough time with her, wouldn't it have been natural for him to take a liking to her?

Jason pressed his lips together as he glanced at the stage. Evelyn's calm, detached face stirred a faint shadow in his eyes.

Lucas stayed silent with his gaze fixed ahead. His expression was devoid of ripples-cold and almost indifferent.

"Lucas?" Mason prompted. "What do you think?"

Lucas replied slowly, "Evelyn's been one of the project leads all along, hasn't she?"

The implication was clear. To him, her speaking was perfectly normal.

Mason snorted. "Sure, she's a lead, but we all know how her name got on that list."

Tiffany let out a soft, scornful huff. She clearly agreed.

Something crossed Lucas' mind right then. This time, he only gave a slow, faint smile. He didn't elaborate.noveldrama

The event stretched until around 9:00 pm.

Evelyn finished her presentation and stepped off the stage. Jacob and the others rushed over, showering here with praise. After the small talk, the event was winding down. The Right was essentially a big team-building affair, and some were organizing after-party activities.

Exhausted and noting the late hour, Evelyn told Sebastian and Justine she was heading back. Before leaving, she grabbed the bouquet of blue tulips from the table and someone escort her back to her lodging.

had

She took her key card and headed upstairs. As she stepped out of the elevator, she happened to see someone exiting the adjacent one. The moment she saw Lucas, her steps paused.

He glanced at her, then at the bouquet in her arms, but he said nothing.

Evelyn had even less to say.

Gripping her key card, she turned

toward her room. Yet the sound of

steady footsteps followed her from

behind. He was about three or four yards behind her.

The hallway lights cast shadows on the plush carpet. She could see her and Lucas' silhouette trailing close behind. His shadow even seemed to brush against hers.

Evelyn frowned and quickened her pace, pulling her shadow farther from his. Neither of them spoke, but when she reached her door, she realized Lucas had stopped at the room next to hers. He was staying right next door.

It hit her then. Maybe that was why a hotel staff member had asked if she wanted to switch rooms. Had Lucas, knowing she was next door, arranged for her to be moved?

Thinking about that made Evelyn frown. She didn't appreciate these behind-the- scenes manipulations. She swiped her key card and was ready to enter her room.