The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

Lucas' gaze remained cool and detached. His thoughts seemed to conceal something Evelyn couldn't decipher, and he gave nothing away. His deep eyes lingered faintly. He was neither avoiding her nor staring at her.

He was as steady as a mountain—even with a beautiful woman laid almost bare before him.

Evelyn rarely wore such outfits in the past. He vaguely recalled that.

Evelyn was caught off guard by the situation. She had assumed the hot springs would be empty at this late hour, but her confusion lasted only a couple of seconds before she reacted. She quickly grabbed a nearby towel and wrapped it around herself.

Her face showed no embarrassment. Instead, there was just a hint of awkwardness and irritation.

She turned to leave almost immediately without a moment's hesitation.

"Stay."

From behind, Lucas spoke slowly.

Evelyn glanced back. He was already standing. He said calmly, "I'll go."

She considered it, thinking that if he left, she didn't need to disrupt her plans or back down. Thus, she stepped aside, waiting for him to gather his things and leave.

Even in the hot springs, Lucas wasn't shirtless; he wore a simple white tee. His right arm revealed a recently healed scar, which was still striking and raw. He had a towel draped over his arm.

Evelyn had no intention of prying about the "medal of love" he had earned for Tiffany. But after having a soak in the hot springs, the wet fabric clung to his body, outlining his lean, sculpted muscles.

Even so, Evelyn didn't bat an eye. She had no interest in looking, so she turned her body slightly. She had always known Lucas had an impressive physique. His disciplined lifestyle and good genes ensured that.

But now, it meant nothing. He might as well be a slab of meat.

Lucas climbed out of the hot spring and slipped on a bathrobe before glancing at Evelyn.

"Still up this late?" As he tied the robe's belt, he popped the question casually.

Evelyn considered ignoring him. However, with just the two of them here, his question felt oddly loud. She couldn't brush it off. Without looking at him, she replied in a flat tone, "Yeah."

Her response was so curt and cold that it could make one freeze. Lucas paused and studied her profile for a moment, but her attitude didn't faze him. "Alright. Head up soon."

He had already grabbed his things. As he passed by her, he slowed his steps as if recalling something. His gaze swept downward and landed briefly on her abdomen. "You've always cared about your

appearance. Have you 17 nt

appearance. Have you not thought about getting that scar removed with cosmetic treatment?"

Evelyn's hand instinctively brushed her lower stomach, and Lucas stole a look at her figure.noveldrama

His question had caught her off guard. The scar had always been there.

During past intimate moments, he'd occasionally graze it absentmindedly but had never asked about it or shown any distaste.

She knew why. Lucas, raised as the ultimate heir, was polished and courteous, but beneath it all ran a

vein of indifference. He had never

had an ounce of love for her. Thus, he never bothered to notice.

He was not curious, not pained, and not concerned about her.

His question now was probably made offhand.

Evelyn's expression stayed neutral, etched with a touch of distance. "That's my business."

Lucas looked down at her without moving. His eyes were unreadable. He gave her a long look, then smirked. "Enjoy your soak. No one else will disturb you here."

With that, he walked off without a hint of hesitation.

Evelyn didn't care where Lucas was headed now. With him gone, she could relax. She set the towel on a chair and slipped into the hot spring. The warm water helped dull her physical discomfort, even if only slightly. sŵnovel