The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving novel Chapter 63

"Suit yourself." Lucas studied her for a moment, then adjusted his tie. "Just make sure you have a good explanation for Grandma."

Evelyn immediately understood. So, that was all this was about—making sure Maria didn't complain about his lack of care for her.

...

When they went downstairs, Maria had already returned from her morning walk.

She had personally made a nourishing stew for Evelyn, and Evelyn couldn't bear to let her effort go to waste. She forced herself to have some despite her discomfort.

"Lucas, take Evie with you," Maria instructed.

Lucas paused, looking at Evelyn.

Evelyn thought of that phone call from earlier. "It's fine, Grandma. I have somewhere to be, and it's in the opposite direction."

Maria glanced at Lucas, seeing that he wasn't even trying to respond. Her irritation flared.

Evelyn knew exactly where Lucas was going—to pick up Tiffany.

And after what happened last time, when he had left her stranded in the middle of nowhere, she wasn't about to go through that again.

After stepping outside with Lucas, Evelyn waited until the housekeeper and Maria were out of sight before speaking to him. "I'll be busy from now on. I won't be coming back here anymore."

She figured the divorce was already finalized. Whether or not Maria knew, it would only make things awkward for both of them if she kept getting summoned back. Lucas needed to handle it.

Of course, she was still willing to see Maria privately. Her marriage with Lucas was over, but there was no need to upset Maria.

Lucas turned his head slightly, but before he could say anything, Evelyn had already gotten into the car and driven off.

He frowned slightly.

From his phone, a voice chimed in.

"Damn, is Evelyn threatening you because she can't go back to the house?" Mason sounded amused. "She's really pulling out all the stops lately."

This was the classic guilt trip move.

Lucas remained indifferent as he said, "It doesn't matter."

Evelyn suddenly recalled what Sharron had said.

In a way, Tiffany was exactly what the Grant family wanted in a future matriarch. For old-money families, nothing mattered more than heritage and passing down strong genes.

...

Jonathan from Finlay Tech hosted them. After discussing some technical points, they wrapped up around 12:30 pm.

Jonathan smiled. "Why don't you both join us for lunch? The food at the cafeteria here doesn't taste too bad. That is, if you don't mind."

Sebastian checked the time. It was already late. He glanced at Evelyn to ask for her opinion, and she had no objections.

A group of them headed toward Finlay Tech's cafeteria.

What she didn't expect was to run into Lucas and Tiffany there—alongside Blake and Jessica. Evelyn felt a sudden tightness in her chest, the sight in front of her almost suffocating. Without thinking, she paused in her tracks.

Jonathan, on the other hand, was thrilled by the coincidence. He said, "Perfect timing! If you don't mind, why don't we all have lunch together?"