Chapter 2 The Queen Returns

Momentarily startled, Cary recovered quickly. "Of course I won't regret this. But since you accepted the settlement, it's your responsibility to explain the divorce to Grandma."

Cary knew perfectly well that Demi only recognized Evelina as her true granddaughter-in-law. If news of their divorce reached her ears, he'd face her wrath.

And naturally, Cary expected Evelina to shoulder the blame.

Without raising her gaze, Evelina calmly replied, "I'm not explaining anything to her. In these past three years, I've settled my debt with Demi in full. Aren't you madly in love with Esme? What's wrong-can't even muster enough courage to face your own grandmother?"

Growing up in an orphanage, Evelina owed her education entirely to Demi's generosity.

So when the Gibson family urgently needed a substitute bride, she'd readily stepped in.

She didn't flinch when Cary lost his vision. Instead, she fulfilled her duties faithfully, cared tirelessly for him, and managed the household without complaint.

She had one modest request-a three-year trial. If Cary failed to fall in love with her by the end, they'd peacefully part ways.

Now, finally, her freedom had arrived.

"True love conquers everything," Evelina replied dryly, sarcasm lightly coating her words. "I genuinely hope your perfect fairytale lasts forever."

Reaching for her car keys, she found her path abruptly blocked by Margot Gibson, Cary's younger sister.

"Evelina, I heard you're divorcing my brother. That car is Gibson family property-you can't take it!"

Evelina laughed coldly. "I paid for this car myself. Honestly, Margot, you're just as brazen as Cary."

Drawn by the commotion, Cary stepped forward. "What's happening here?"

Immediately, Margot complained petulantly, saying, "Cary, Evelina is taking the car, and I was planning to use it!"

His brow creased slightly. "Evelina, hand over the keys to Margot."

"Absolutely not," she replied coldly. "Why should I?"

"You're unbelievable!" Margot lunged forward to grab the keys.

Suddenly, an old suitcase flew into the vehicle, followed swiftly by several lit firecrackers.

In moments, sparks flew and thick smoke billowed as the firecrackers erupted, sending Margot shrieking in panic.

"The car is yours-I don't want it," Evelina responded coolly, brushing off her hands as she turned decisively away.

Everything she'd used or worn in the Gibson household would remain. She wanted nothing to remind her of this place.

She quickly dialed her closest friend, Kristina Anderson.

As Evelina reached the villa gates, a sleek, understated luxury car awaited her.

Kristina's jaw dropped dramatically. "Well, if it isn't the real Queen Evelina herself!"

Feigning astonishment, Kristina rubbed her eyes. "Three years, Evelina. Every call I've made, you were too preoccupied tending to that ungrateful husband. I honestly couldn't tell whether I'd attended your wedding or your funeral back then."

Leaping forward, Kristina embraced Evelina tightly. "Finally done with that 'blind' fool? Good. Now we start living for real."

Kristina snapped her fingers theatrically. "Wait, no-I need to stock up on fireworks! Your grand return demands a proper celebration."

"You're too late," Evelina said coolly, gesturing casually over her shoulder.

Just then, an explosive bang split the peaceful night. The old car erupted spectacularly into flames.

Sparks scattered brilliantly, lighting up the darkness in a vivid display.

"How's that for a farewell gift?" Evelina asked with a playful grin, her eyebrow arched mischievously.

Kristina erupted into laughter. "There she is! Queen Evelina is finally back! Time to party!"

Sliding into the passenger seat, Evelina gave an exhausted sigh. "Another day, perhaps. I just desperately need sleep."

She had spent the last three years caring tirelessly for Cary's recovery, barely managing to rest properly. Fatigue weighed heavily on her now.

Inside the villa, Margot was stamping her foot furiously.

"She nearly scared me to death! Has Evelina lost her mind? She destroyed our car! Cary, you have to do something about her-"

"That's enough!" Cary interrupted sharply.

Exasperation lined his voice as he scolded, "Is this childish tantrum how a Gibson should behave?"

Margot quickly shifted to a pleading, wounded tone, saying, "Are you actually scolding me over that woman? Wait until I tell Esme-she'll see how much you've changed!"

"Don't talk nonsense," Cary retorted irritably, though privately dismissing Evelina as insignificant compared to his sister.

He quickly softened his voice to reassure her. "Have you forgotten Jasper Russell is arriving in Aglonard soon?"

The Russell family, among Ireah's most influential families, dominated politics, business, and military circles, making them untouchably powerful.

And Jasper Russell, their youngest heir, wasn't only extraordinarily charismatic but also managed the immense Russell Group. His slightest gesture sent ripples across high society.

Most importantly, he was the only bachelor among the Russell heirs. Every wealthy young woman in Aglonard and beyond fantasized about becoming Mrs. Russell.

"I haven't forgotten," Margot murmured shyly, blushing deeply at the mention of her admired figure.

She clung affectionately to Cary's arm, adding eagerly, "He's visiting for his niece's eye treatment. If Esme successfully heals Miss Florrie Russell's eyesight, she'll become indispensable to the Russell family-and undeniably valuable to us. Even Grandma will have to accept her then."

Cary gave a thoughtful nod.

Esme's supposed medical talent had drawn the Russells to Aglonard, presenting them with a perfect opportunity to solidify powerful alliances.

"And if you assist Esme during the operation and gain Miss Russell's favor... perhaps Jasper himself will notice you," he suggested encouragingly.

"Oh, thank you, Cary!" Margot's eyes sparkled as dreams filled her head.

But Cary's thoughts wandered unexpectedly. The image of Evelina striding confidently away, fearless and poised, lingered stubbornly.

He had dismissed her as plain, passive, even boring. This daring, fierce version of her was entirely unexpected.

Perhaps... he needed to reassess the woman he'd overlooked for three years.