The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving novel Chapter 279

"Still no baby? What's the deal? Is it because you can't have one or just don't want a child?" Blake's smile lingered, but the sarcasm in his voice was razor-sharp.

To everyone else, it sounded like a brother teasing his little sister. It was nothing more than a harmless joke.

But Blake knew exactly what he was doing. He knew Lucas didn't love Evelyn. That much was obvious. That, in his mind, explained why she was still in a broken marriage and why she didn't have a child.

To him, it was pathetic. And it was practically a joke.

Evelyn's expression finally shifted.

Blake didn't know about her medical issues—how there was a real chance she might never be able to have children. And yet he had chosen to ask this, publicly.

To outsiders, it probably sounded like a well-meaning bit of pressure. But to her, it was nothing less than having an old wound ripped wide open in front of everyone.

One part of that pain was the marriage where she had been ignored and unloved. The other was the cruel truth that her body might never let her become a mother.

She knew Blake had done it on purpose, but it was her personal business. She had no interest in giving him the satisfaction of an argument.

And this topic was too sensitive. It was tied to her medical condition, her marriage, and even the pending divorce, which she wasn't legally allowed to mention yet.

Her voice was icy as she responded, "No need for you to worry, Mr. Harrison."

The moment she said "Mr. Harrison", his expression faltered. His brows drew together instinctively, almost like he was caught off guard.

Sebastian stepped in right away, casually sliding between them. His tone was light but pointed. "Evie has always been career-driven. She's got a bigger stage ahead of her. She won't settle for just being someone's wife or a mom. Besides, not being tied down by domestic life sounds like freedom to me."

Blake narrowed his eyes slightly before nodding. "Fair point, Mr. Hill."

Of course, everything Blake said had been heard—clear as day—by Lucas.

His long lashes fluttered, but he didn't glance at Evelyn. His expression remained perfectly composed, untouched by anything going on around him—cold, distant, and untouchable.

Tiffany froze for just a moment. Then, out of the corners of her eyes, she glanced at Evelyn.

There were men who cherished the women they loved—protected them, treasured them, and respected every inch of them. And then there was the opposite.

She looked over at Sebastian and whispered, "We've still got a while before we hit land. I think I'd like to head back."

Sebastian glanced at his watch. "Justy's probably downstairs still having fun. We'll go with you. They've got smaller boats ready if anyone wants to return early."

Sebastian considered it, then nodded. "Makes sense."

So, Evelyn slipped out quietly without making a scene. But not everyone missed it.

Brandon noticed her leaving and glanced in the direction she had gone. And after hearing Blake call her "married" earlier, something clicked.

He gave it a second, then turned toward Lucas and said casually, "So, Evelyn's husband—he seems to know Mr. Harrison pretty well. How come he didn't show up?"