The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving novel Chapter 57

"Damn, Lucas, your reflexes are fast. That could've burned Tiffany." Mason exhaled, shaking his head as the tension settled.

All eyes turned to Tiffany. She had also been near the grill.

Tiffany, always poised, offered a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. No harm done."

The one who had actually caused the commotion—Sophia—rushed over, gripping Tiffany's hands like she was on the verge of tears. "I swear I didn't mean to! That scared the hell out of me, Tiffany. I'm so sorry!"

Tiffany patted her head lightly. "It's okay. Really."

Evelyn's fingers curled slightly. She then understood that Lucas hadn't jumped in to protect her. It had been about Tiffany. The only reason he had reacted so fast—so recklessly—was because he thought Tiffany was in danger.

It was only ever her.

Lucas—always composed, always unreadable—had lost his cool for one person.

And it wasn't for Evelyn.

Jason, who had been keeping an eye on Evelyn, seemed to check her over for injuries before finally relaxing back into his seat.

Fiona's voice was laced with concern as she asked, "Evelyn, are you sure you're okay? Let me see."

Evelyn shook her head.

Sebastian's expression shifted subtly. He glanced at Lucas, who was still shielding Tiffany, and asked, "Mr. Grant, did you not see that Evelyn almost got burned too?"

Evelyn had been the closest to the grill. Tiffany had never really been in danger. Only then did Lucas finally shift his gaze toward Evelyn. His tone was calm and indifferent as he responded, "Oh? I didn't notice."

Evelyn's chest tightened, and her breath hitched.

Lucas didn't even have a second to spare for her. Even his voice was cold, showing no concern for whether she was hurt or not. The only person he truly cared about was Tiffany.

Sebastian was at a loss for words. For the first time, he truly understood what Evelyn had been through these past three years. Lucas had never cared about her. His disregard for her was absolute.

The campsite was lively, with over 20 people gathered in separate groups.

Yet Evelyn suddenly felt exhausted. Wrapping herself in a cashmere shawl, she walked back to her tent and sat outside.