The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

The unexpected voice broke the lively atmosphere around Tiffany, and almost everyone turned to look.

Evelyn was momentarily taken aback. She had positioned herself in a quieter corner, yet someone had still managed to approach, bypassing Sebastian, who was standing nearby.

She looked up to see a tall, handsome man. He was youthful yet with the maturity of someone older. His long lashes framed eyes that were straightforward and determined, as if he had a clear purpose. That man was Brian.

Evelyn paused for a moment, taken aback.

Beside her, Justine suddenly chimed in, almost teasing, "She agrees! No problem!"

Brian, still holding his gaze on Evelyn, waited expectantly for her response.

The situation caught the attention of those nearby, and Tiffany's brows furrowed slightly. She didn't recognize this man. He wasn't familiar to her, yet his admiration for Evelyn was almost palpable, which struck her as odd.

Lucas, sitting calmly nearby, glanced over but didn't seem overly concerned. His eyes lingered on Evelyn for a moment, then moved away. He seemed to be contemplating something. He didn't immediately divert his gaze, and there was a subtle curiosity in his expression.

Only Brandon's expression shifted slightly. There was a noticeable change in his demeanor as he took in the scene.

On stage, Blake, with a playful smile, watched the scene unfold. He had always known that Evelyn had her share of admirers, but she had always been distant, never engaging with them. Now, the atmosphere had become awkwardly charged.

Evelyn looked at Brian. She didn't put on any airs and simply nodded slightly. "Sure."

In this kind of setting, if someone extended an invitation, there was no need to be a party pooper. She placed her hand in Brian's.

Brian, who had been holding his breath, finally relaxed. He took her hand with the elegance of a gentleman, leading her toward the center. He gently placed his hand on her slender waist and whispered, "I can follow your lead."

Evelyn lowered her gaze as she said, "Okay, thank you."

Though she wasn't particularly skilled at dancing, she knew the basic steps. Her soft, fluid movements made her dance gracefully.

Brian's eyes sparkled with amusement, and his voice softened to match the rhythm of her movements. "It's my pleasure."

The two of them became the center of attention, drawing many gazes.

Blake squinted, a faint, cold smile curving at his lips. He then turned his gaze to Lucas.

Lucas, with his usual aristocratic air, had already looked away from Evelyn, and his gaze shifted toward Tiffany. "Go ahead and dance," he said, responding to Tiffany's earlier question about whether he minded her dancing with others.

Tiffany, with a small, knowing smile, caught his gaze. She glanced briefly toward the deck, took a sip of her drink, and said, "No, I'll stay here and keep you company."

As for the dance floor, she figured she'd let someone else take the spotlight.

Brandon, watching the scene, couldn't help but observe the subtle dynamic between Lucas and Tiffany. From an outsider's perspective, it was clear that their bond was deep. One was eager to let the other enjoy themselves while the other, despite the attention, chose to stay close to him.

As for Evelyn... Brandon couldn't help but furrow his brows as he looked at her. She was always so composed and friendly with strangers, but with him, it was different. They just didn't click.

It was clear-their energies didn't align.noveldrama

"Who is that man?" Tiffany asked, curiosity piqued. She hadn't seen him around before.

Brandon paused for a second before glancing over at Brian. He didn't answer, knowing that the man's identity hadn't been made public yet.

"Are you not going to dance together?" Blake approached them with a playful smile. "Hasn't the atmosphere over there affected you, Lucas?"

Lucas smiled faintly, his demeanor unchanged. "It's not convenient for me today, so I'll pass."

Blake then noticed that Lucas' right hand was positioned awkwardly. "What happened to your hand, Lucas?"

Tiffany paused. Then, with a resigned expression, she replied, "It's my fault. Lucas got injured while helping me."