The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving novel Chapter 191

If Lucas went up on stage with Tiffany, the entire dynamic would change.

Lucas was already part of the elite. Rather than simply joining Tiffany on stage, he would be there to boost her image.

The venue was currently filled with top executives from major companies. Once everyone witnessed that scene firsthand, Tiffany's standing in the circle was all but guaranteed.

Sebastian frowned. Then, he glanced over at Evelyn.

If that were the case, Lucas and Tiffany should just go public with their relationship. What would be the difference?

Evelyn returned him a calm look. She didn't think this was important.

By now, she fully understood just how much Lucas valued Tiffany. No matter how much he adored Tiffany, it never came as a surprise.

Seeing that Evelyn didn't seem to care, Sebastian finally felt a bit relieved.

Tiffany tilted her head and called out, "Lucas?"

After checking his watch, Lucas murmured regretfully, "I've got a call coming in soon. You go ahead."

For a brief moment, Tiffany felt disappointed. But when she thought it through, given Lucas' busy work schedule and his habit of taking long international conference calls even during meals, it made perfect sense.

Tiffany smiled softly. "Then can you help me up on stage?"

She pointed at her heels and said, "These heels are too high and a bit slippery."

Lucas glanced down, then grinned indulgently. "Sure," he replied.

Rising up, he extended his arm in a gentlemanly manner.

Tiffany smiled as she took his hand, and they passed right in front of Evelyn. Thunderous applause rose behind them.

Evelyn watched like an outsider as Lucas escorted Tiffany to the stage in front of the crowd. The attractive pair looked inseparable, and the students cheered in excitement.

Not long after, Sophia dashed over with her smartphone. She began recording them from multiple angles. "Tiffany, go for it!"

Tiffany caught Sophia's shout. She cast a glance at the audience and then looked back at Lucas behind her. They exchanged a knowing smile.

A small group of guests whispered among themselves.

"Look at him escorting her personally! They're seriously adorable. They complement each other perfectly!"

"This is a one-of-a-kind treatment."

"Isn't it so? Mr. Grant has always kept things clean and has had no scandals. Now that he has met someone sincere, he's giving her all the confidence she needs. It's incredibly reassuring."

"If I were a man, I'd love Tiffany the same way. She's beautiful and talented. The fact that he's willing to escort her like that just proves it. She's the kind of woman you'd want to bring home. They're a true power couple."

Sebastian overheard the whispers. He snorted and said to Evelyn, "They really deserve an award for Best 'Moral' Couple."

Evelyn didn't reply. By now, she had grown so used to their public displays of affection that she remained unfazed.

Tiffany's deep professional knowledge was truly impressive. She could speak with a grace and confidence that left listeners in awe.

Tiffany pursed her lips. It seemed she wasn't alone in her disbelief.

The whole situation was clearly off.

Brandon glanced at Evelyn. Seeing that Sebastian had already left the stage, he was the first to approach him and ask, "Mr. Hill, this project is technically challenging. Silux Materials can ensure the fusion of materials, but may I ask why Ms. Reed is also listed as one of the leads?"

Gradually, Tiffany and the others began to gather around.

Flynn added, "Mr. Hill, what kind of joke is this?

For a project of this magnitude, such a mistake was unthinkable.

Noticing the growing crowd, Sebastian reached out and pulled Evelyn into the inner circle. With a raised eyebrow and a sly smile, he said, "No mistake was made. Evie is indeed one of the project leads."

Flynn frowned and scrutinized Evelyn before suddenly laughing. "Mr. Hill, adding the name of a junior employee for something this significant doesn't seem appropriate, does it?"

Brandon shot Evelyn a complex look. He clearly found it absurd too. "It appears, Mr. Hill, that you're extremely close to Ms. Reed. The way you go out of your way to support her is impressive. Ms. Reed, having Mr. Hill as a trusted ally gives you an edge that's hard not to envy."

Evelyn looked up at him. She understood almost immediately what he meant. He was suggesting that Sebastian had given her a backdoor pass to the project and doubted her genuine involvement.

Tiffany, too, caught the undercurrent of Brandon's remark.

Nodding slowly, she then addressed the matter strictly from a professional point of view. "Mr. Hill, this project requires significant financing, yet one of your leads isn't a specialist. Would that not affect investors' perceptions?

"It might cause them to question the quality and credentials of Flying Seal Group's new project. Mr. Hill, perhaps you should reconsider for the sake of the bigger picture," she said gently and sincerely.