The Queen Returns—And She’s Unforgiving novel Chapter 278

Evelyn could feel the pressure around her wrist. It was not painful but strong enough to remind her who was in control. Even though Lucas' tone was still smooth and light, almost teasing, it didn't sit right with her.

She didn't like this—not one bit.

Her reaction this time was even sharper than before. She jerked her hand free, hard. The lingering heat from his touch slowly faded off her skin.

Without hesitation, she pulled off the blindfold and met his cold, deep-set eyes.

"This is how we've always acted in public, isn't it?" she said, keeping her voice polite even as her irritation flickered just beneath the surface. "Mr. Grant, we don't have any chemistry. Let's just call it quits on the game."

She didn't care how he looked at her after that. She turned and walked straight out of the circle of party guests.

As for that question he asked her earlier, she actually found it kind of funny. All these years, whenever they crossed paths at public events, he would always ignore her and act like they didn't know each other. They acted like strangers, through and through—always pretending and always avoiding.

Now, he wanted to turn it around on her? Besides, wasn't that exactly what the agreement they signed meant?

Lucas watched her walk away, his expression unreadable. Then, he turned around and headed back to where Tiffany was.

Brian had been keeping an eye on Evelyn the whole time. The moment he noticed both she and Lucas were done with the game, he lowered his eyes in thought. He hadn't gotten her number yet.

He debated whether walking up to her now would feel intrusive or maybe put her in an awkward spot. That was rare for him—to even consider someone else's feelings so carefully.

While he was still thinking it over, his phone rang. It was an important call.

His gaze flicked to Evelyn, who had just sat down. His sharp eyes lifted ever so slightly in amusement.

Fine. He'd take the call first.

…

Evelyn had barely sat down when Sebastian leaned over and asked, "What did he say to you? Did he bring up poaching our people?"

Her eyes narrowed a little, then she shook her head. "No. Not a word."

She wasn't surprised.