The Queen Returns—And She's Unforgiving

Bill couldn't help but chuckle. He found Evelyn's calm and poised manner rather agreeable, so he struck up a conversation. "Seems like you two are quite close. Ms. Reed, what's your role at Flying Seal Group?"

Evelyn answered honestly, "I'm an engineer working in drone development."

Bill looked visibly surprised and gave her a once-over. "Impressive. You're so young, yet you're already so accomplished."

He suspected she wasn't just any ordinary engineer. Sebastian wouldn't value her so highly otherwise.

Nathan turned to look as well. He scanned Evelyn from head to toe, growing increasingly pleased. "You've got good looks and a rare kind of presence. Don't tell me you and Seb are a couple?"

Although Nathan was in his 80s, he was still full of vigor. Those around him could hear what he said.

Even Lucas looked up slightly and looked over.

Sebastian rubbed the bridge of his nose, casting a sidelong glance toward Lucas with a trace of amusement. He leaned in toward the two elders, deliberately lowered his voice, and replied, "No, not yet."

Nathan immediately lit up with interest. Like a playful child, he exclaimed, "Well then, you'd better hurry up! This girl's right up my alley-pretty and capable. Any young man would want someone like her. Don't come crying if you wait too long and someone else snatches her up!"

Upon hearing that, Jason pursed his lips and instinctively glanced at Evelyn. He then observed Lucas from the corner of his eye and realized his head was bowed as he listened to Tiffany speak.

He seemed not to have heard Nathan's spirited voice. Or perhaps... he had, and simply didn't care?

Mason leaned over and said to Jason, "You know, Evelyn's got solid looks and presence. Bet plenty of people are into her even without knowing her well. What do you think?"

Jason looked away and replied indifferently, "Yeah..."

Mason, seeing how cold Jason was, waved his hand dismissively. "You've really got your dislike written all over your face."

Just then, Harry and Brandon entered through the side door.

Harry came over to greet Lucas and the others.

Lucas nodded. "Hello, Mr. Miller."

It was Tiffany's first time seeing Harry. She had only heard others talk about him, so she greeted him graciously and politely, "Nice to meet you. I'm Tiffany Moore."

Glancing at her, Harry gave a small nod. "Harry Miller."

Lucas followed up with a question. "Are you staying in the country for good?" Harry's expression remained neutral. "Not yet. It's under consideration."

Tiffany glanced at him, then her eyes lowered in thought.

She was just about to speak when Harry checked the time. Then, he announced, "Everyone, please move into the inner garden. We've prepared a drone show tonight and would like to invite you all to enjoy it together."

Evelyn also learned about the upcoming drone performance.

Nathan, a military enthusiast who had once served in the army during his youth, was particularly fond of such technological advancements. Given the significance of national defense in today's world, he had specially arranged for a drone show for his birthday banquet. He even hired a professional drone operator.

Evelyn knew that there were different versions of drones. Some were built for entertainment, while others were built for military use.noveldrama

She glanced toward the distant end of the courtyard where several drones were parked.

Based on her quick estimation, she judged them to be small to medium-sized, likely weighing around 132 pounds.

Guests had a designated area for viewing. She had just found her spot when she sensed someone approaching her side.

She didn't bother about it, keeping her attention on the drone operators stationed inside a pavilion across the garden.

Soon, the drones carrying fireworks launched into the sky, the roar of their rotors echoing as they ascended.

Moments later, they burst into vivid, newly developed blue sparks. Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd.

Evelyn, however, was busy mentally calculating the drones' payload systems and the safety of the fireworks mechanisms.

In just those few seconds of distraction, a sudden burst of startled cries erupted. "Watch out!" Shouts rang out, one after another.

Evelyn jerked her head up.

She saw one of the drones plummeting straight toward her with its rotors still buzzing. The navigation system had seemingly failed, and it was plunging straight at her.