The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

When Evelyn arrived at the house, Maria was in the kitchen with Margaret, preparing for dinner.

The sounds of the simmering pots could be heard before a sweet aroma began to waft through the air.

As Evelyn entered, Maria greeted her warmly. "Why is it just you? Where's Lucas? Is he parking outside?"

Evelyn responded calmly, "He had something to take care of, so I came on my own."

Maria's expression immediately darkened. "What kind of matter could keep him occupied? It's already past working hours!"

Without explaining, Evelyn simply smiled.

Offering her a drink, Maria asked, "Has work been really hectic lately? Maggie mentioned that you and Lucas rarely return here. What's really happening?"

Evelyn hesitated, her words caught in her throat.

Shooting Evelyn a worried look, Maria had no idea about the truth, merely thinking that they were busy with work.

Evelyn felt a mix of helplessness and frustration. Having had no idea how Lucas explained the matter, she would not have any clue how to answer Maria if he had said nothing.

"Things are a bit tight on our projects now that it's the year-end," she answered after some thought.

Maria patted her thigh, exclaiming, "Health comes first, so don't force yourself too much. I'm going to prepare nourishing supplements for you.

"You keep saying you're fine, but I think you're lacking energy. There's no harm in boosting your vitality as it's crucial to us as women."

Evelyn knew Maria truly cared for her, thus she couldn't bring herself to turn down Maria's kindness.

Maria continued begrudgingly, "Lucas is another one! It's already this late, and he's still not back yet. You should call him, Evie."

Evelyn comforted Maria. "It's alright, Grandma. Let's eat first. He might be driving now."

It was just an excuse. She did not want to risk having Tiffany answer the call. Hearing that, Maria did not insist any further.

Evelyn thought Lucas wouldn't be back tonight, but he appeared right on time.

She looked up briefly before shifting her gaze. She wondered when Maria would leave, as she planned to leave after her.

Seeing Lucas arrive just before dinner started, Maria finally relaxed.

Halfway through the meal, she suddenly suggested, "Let's take a family photo this Easter. What do you guys think?"

Evelyn froze, her hand about to reach for her glass.

"Didn't we already take one last year? There's no need for that," Lucas answered, placing the glass of water closer to Evelyn.

She glanced down at the glass, her expression unchanged.

His actions might have made her heart flutter in the past, but now, she had come to her senses and understood.

Women were often too emotional. Even the most basic, meaningless gestures would be appreciated when they were blinded by love.

As for the family photo, he refused to take it.

Evelyn was not surprised, as she thought it was unnecessary too.

Lucas must have been against it because he knew they would be divorcing.

Maria looked at Lucas' han me but nreadable face and Evelyn's indifferent expression. Then, with a sigh, she suggested, "If you two are busy, then maybe next time."

Then, her gaze landed on Evelyn's hand. "Oh my, where's your wedding ring?"

She had already noticed that Evelyn was not wearing her wedding ring but did not think too much about it. Now that it was still missing from Evelyn's finger, Maria could not help but ask about it.

Lucas' gaze landed on Evelyn's hand, too.

Evelyn responded, "It was getting in the way."

She had already sent the ring along with the divorce papers to Lucas. He had probably gotten Michael to take care of it.

Moreover, only she had worn the ring after the wedding. Lucas had never worn the ring even once, presenting himself as a bachelor.

She had played her part for too long.

Maria did not understand how a ring could get in the way of things. She glanced at Lucas' bare fingers, realizing Evelyn's disappointment did not happen overnight.

She shot him a glare, signaling him to say something. Even a few simple words would have been much better than being cold and indifferent.

Lucas noticed Maria's signals but feigned ignorance. Instead, he offered her some crab legs, skillfully changing the topic. "What were you blinking for? Do you mean you want to peel it for you?"

He had no intention of wearing his wedding ring, which left Maria furious. Although she opened her mouth to say something, her words were caught in her throat. Even her expression was reflective of her resignation.

She threw in the towel, whereas Evelyn quietly ate her meal, behaving as if she did not notice what was happening.noveldrama

She knew better than anyone that Lucas wouldn't have gone three years without wearing his ring if he had cared. There was also no way of knowing where he had even kept it.

Evelyn expected Maria to leave, but Maria stayed and settled in the guest room instead.

As a result, Evelyn had no choice but to head upstairs as well. She found Lucas chatting on his phone and would need to walk past him to get her charger. Feeling that she was about to approach, he moved his screen away.

She figured he must be texting Tiffany, and there were things he did not want her to see.

Not taking it to heart, she crossed over to look for the phone charger. It had been a hectic day, and her phone had long run out of battery.

Lucas only felt at ease stretching his legs upon noticing Evelyn seated on the bedside to charge her phone. Then, he casually asked. "Do I send you the videos and photos?"

"Huh?" Evelyn looked up, confused.

Noticing her puzzled expression, he kept his lighter and cigarette away. "The photo Grandma took of us last time?"

Only then did she remember Maria wanting him to forward it to her. However, there was no news from him.

Evelyn was surprised that he kept the photo, but it also occurred to her. Given how he had been messaging Tiffany earlier and how she had answered his calls, she would have likely snooped around his messages, too.

Lucas was probably worried Tiffany might stumble upon something.

Then again, Evelyn no longer cared about taking photos together. They were divorced, so why would they even need it?

With that, she replied without hesitation, "You don't have to. Just delete it."