The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

The words Evelyn had meant to say were stuck in her throat. She frowned slightly and looked up at him. "You're overthinking it, Mr. Grant. I wasn't going to ask you for the painting."

Lucas didn't respond. He just stared at her face thoughtfully. From his angle, her chin looked slightly sharper than before. Her already small face seemed to have slimmed down even more lately, making her serene eyes appear even larger.

Suddenly, he reached out. He gently pinched her chin and tilted it up to get a better look. His hand resting near her waist hovered slightly, not quite touching.

"Have you lost weight?" Her waist was noticeably thinner now.

His tone was cool and detached, but there was a trace of something unreadable in his eyes. "Or is it because you've lost your appetite?"

Evelyn averted her gaze, a little surprised by his reaction. So, he had noticed the change in her. But clearly, that's all it was.

If he knew the truth about her terminal illness, he probably wouldn't care one bit. Once she regained her balance, she tried to push him away and said flatly, "Can you let go now?"

She never answered his question directly. Lucas didn't push further. He opened his arms, allowing her to steady herself.

Evelyn braced a hand against his chest for support. Just as she was about to step away, Brandon happened to walk in the hallway and caught the exact moment she pulled herself out of Lucas' arms.

His expression shifted into something complicated. Just earlier, Lucas had offered the Miller family a major business concession-for a painting worth less than a million dollars-clearly for Tiffany's sake.

And now, why was Evelyn in his arms? Brandon's look was full of unspoken questions, and Evelyn could practically read all the wrong conclusions flashing through his mind.

But no matter how she explained herself, it always made her look guilty. Lucas hadn't even allowed her to publicly acknowledge their marriage when they were still together.

Now that they were divorced? Forget it.

"Mr. Grant, what's going on here?" Brandon approached with a smile.

Lucas didn't so much as blink. "Just talking."

Brandon nodded, seemingly understanding. "Got it, then I won't interrupt."

As he walked away, he gave Evelyn one last look-his expression a mix of curiosity and disappointment. He had honestly thought better of her.

When Flynn had insulted her earlier, Brandon didn't quite buy into it. Evelyn had always come across as quiet and calm, without the usual pretense. Besides, she was undeniably beautiful in her own way.

His impression of her had been largely positive. But now? To openly throw herself at someone else's boyfriend? Perhaps looks really were deceiving.

Evelyn didn't care about Brandon's pointed look. She lifted her eyes to Lucas. "I wasn't trying to ask you for the painting. You can give it to Tiffany if you want. I just... wanted to ask if I could take a few photos of it."

Even if she couldn't have the actual painting, photos might still help.

"I'll send them to you later," Lucas replied without hesitation.

His agreement caught her off guard, and she let out a small breath of relief. "Thank you."

Hearing her polite tone, Lucas gave her a long, unreadable look. "You're very polite." With that, he turned and walked away.

Evelyn couldn't tell if it was a compliment or sarcasm—and didn't bother trying to figure it out. As long as he was willing to give her the photos, that was all she needed.noveldrama

Once she tracked down Naomi's original painting, everything else would fall into place.