Chapter 63

“Say it yourself,” Lucas studied her for a moment, then adjusted his tie. “Just make sure you have a proper explanation for Grandma.”

Feclyn immediately understood. So, that was all this was about—making sure Starla didn’t complain about his lack of care for her.

When they went downstairs, Maria had already returned from her morning walk. She had personally made a nourishing stew for Evelyn, and Evelyn couldn’t bear to let her effort go to waste. She forced herself to have some despite her discomfort.

“Lucas, take Evie with you,” Maria instructed.

Luca paused, looking at Evelyn. Evelyn thought of that phone call from earlier. “It’s fine, Grandma. I have somewhere to be, and it’s in the opposite direction.”

Maria glanced at Lucas, seeing that he wasn’t even trying to respond. Her irritation flared.

Evelyn knew exactly where Lucas was going—to pick up Tiffany. And after what happened last time, when he had left her stranded in the middle of nowhere, she wasn’t about to go through that again.

After stepping outside with Lucas, Evelyn waited until the housekeeper and Maria were out of sight before speaking to him. “I’ll be busy from now on. I won’t be coming back here anymore.”

She figured the divorce was already finalized. Whether or not Maria knew, it would only make things awkward for both of them if she kept getting summoned back. Lucas needed to handle the cost; she was still willing to see Maria privately. Her marriage with Loras was over, but there was no need to upset Maria.

Lucas turned his head slightly, but before he could say anything, Evelyn had already gotten to the car and driven off. He frowned slightly.

From his phone, a voice chimed in. “Damn, is Evelyn threatening you because she can’t go back to the house?” Mason sounded amused. “She’s really pulling out all the stops lately.”

This was the classic guilt trip move. Lucas remained indifferent as he said, “It doesn’t matter.”

Evelyn stopped by her place, freshened up, and then proceeded to the office. The entire morning was spent in a meeting with Sebastian. Their next project was starting to take shape, and if all went well, they could launch it by the end of the year.

Just before noon, Sebastian took Evelyn along to a meeting at Finlay Tech, where she would act as the lead technical consultant. Finlay Tech was a subsidiary of Clark Group. It wasn’t until Evelyn arrived that she realized Finlay Tech was now under Blake’s control.

As they entered the lobby, she immediately noticed a group of people not too far away. A woman stood elegantly, holding onto a man’s arm while engaging effortlessly in conversation with Finley Tech executives. As Evelyn’s gaze landed on them, Lucas looked up at the same moment. But he only glanced past her indifferently, as if she were a stranger.

Three years of marriage, and this was how he always handled things—pretending she didn’t exist. Evelyn had long learned to read him. Tiffany also noticed her but didn’t think much of it. Evelyn withdrew her gaze.

Without Lucas, no matter how impressive Tiffany’s background was, she wouldn’t have this kind of access to top-level executives. But now, as his girlfriend, she commanded attention. Everyone had to show her respect.

Evelyn suddenly recalled what Sharron had said. In a way, Tiffany was exactly what the Grant family wanted in a future matriarch. For old-money families, nothing mattered more than heritage and passing down strong genes.

The meeting from Finlay Tech lasted until around 12:30 pm. After discussing some technical points, they wrapped up.

Jonathan smiled. “Why don’t you both join us for lunch? The cafeteria here doesn’t taste too bad. That is, if you don’t mind.”

Sebulan checked the time. It was already late. He glanced at Evelyn to ask for her opinion, and she had no objections.

A group of them headed toward Finlay Tech’s cafeteria. What she didn’t expect was to run into Lucas and Tiffany there, alongside Blake and Jessica. Evelyn felt a sudden lightness in her chest, the sight in front of her almost suffocating. Without thinking, she paused in her tracks.

Jonatham, on the other hand, was thrilled by the coincidence. He said, “Perfect timing! If you don’t mind, why don’t we all have lunch together?”

He greeted the family, saying, “Crane parents. We’re all family, aren’t we?” Evelyn saw this family gathering and chose to deal with it properly. Evelyn paused, noting that Blake and Jessica were practically inseparable. Evelyn hesitated for a moment, debating whether to take a seat opposite them. But before she could…