The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving novel Chapter 98

Lucas slowly looked over as well.

Evelyn clenched her fingers, and her throat tightened. "I…"

She couldn't let them give her a checkup. A truly skilled traditional doctor could diagnose her condition just by checking her pulse. Rick had been treating Maria for years—he was a renowned expert. If she went through with this, her secret would undoubtedly be exposed.

"What's wrong, Evie?" Maria came closer, concern written all over her face.

Evelyn's lips were pale. "Grandma, I'm fine, really. There's no need to trouble Dr. Hart."

"You've lost weight," Maria insisted, holding her hand. "I've been worried you haven't been taking care of yourself properly. Just let him check our condition, at least for a bit of extra nourishment."

Evelyn's palm grew damp with cold sweat. She was cornered. If her illness was revealed, she didn't even want to imagine the consequences.

Instinctively, she glanced at Lucas, who remained detached, like a bystander. When he met her gaze, his expression didn't change.

Then, just as she was about to sit down in front of Rick, her wrist was suddenly grasped. A gentle tug pulled her backward, and before she could react, she stumbled into a firm, broad chest. Stunned, she lifted her gaze.

Lucas remained expressionless and spoke coldly. "Grandma, we are generally healthy. There's no need to worry—we'll handle things ourselves."

With that, he led her upstairs. Maria stared after them in surprise as Rick chuckled and stroked his beard meaningfully. "If this works, you might have good news by tonight."

Maria's face lit up with joy. "That would be wonderful!"

Upstairs, Evelyn's heart was still racing. The suffocating tension had finally eased, but she still didn't understand. She glanced at Lucas, who had already let go of her and was now seated on the couch, focused on his laptop.

Had he just helped her? But why? After all, he didn't know about her condition. And even if Rick didn't diagnose her cancer, he would still detect the damage to her uterus—damage that made pregnancy difficult. That alone would raise too many questions.

She glanced at Lucas, who hadn't moved from his seat. "Do as you please."

He responded with a simple hum after a long pause, his voice low and raspy.

Evelyn didn't think much of it and soon fell asleep.

…

The next morning, she woke to an empty room. The other side of the bed was completely undisturbed—it was clear no one had slept there.

She glanced at it briefly before heading to wash up. When she went downstairs, Maria was already waiting for her.

As soon as she saw Evelyn, she eagerly approached and scanned her up and down. "Why are you up so early? Where's Lucas? Is he still sleeping?"