Chapter 129

Victoria's eyes widened when she spotted Julian across the hospital corridor. Her heels clicked rapidly against the polished floors as she rushed toward him. "Julian! I can't believe it's really you here in Bern City!"

Julian's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. He took a deliberate step back, positioning himself further from the examination room where Evelyn might emerge.

A wave of regret washed over him. Why had he ever agreed to Alexander's suggestion of bringing Victoria into their family as an adopted sister?

Every encounter with his biological sister Evelyn now filled him with gnawing guilt.

Studying Victoria's eager expression, Julian realized their relationship lacked genuine emotional depth.

Victoria had always lived separately with Eleanor, rarely interacting with him and his brothers. Their sibling bond was superficial at best.

Yet since childhood, Victoria had constantly sought their approval through exaggerated displays of affection. This persistent behavior only deepened Julian's indifference toward her.

"Julian, why are you staring at me like that?" Victoria forced a laugh, touching her cheek self-consciously. "Do I have something on my face?"

"Nothing important." Julian crossed his arms. "Why were you looking for me?"

"I've been trying to reach you for days!" Victoria's voice took on a pleading tone. "You ignored all my calls and messages. Finding you here in Bern City... this must be fate!"

Seeing Julian in the city reignited Victoria's hopes. Could his presence mean he was reconsidering the surgery for Eleanor?

Julian's expression remained impassive. "I've been occupied with work."

"Julian, I understand why you kept your visit secret." Victoria lowered her voice conspiratorially. "But I truly love Nathaniel. If you perform his grandmother's surgery, he'll finally agree to marry me. I've never asked you for anything before. Please do this one thing for me?"

She batted her eyelashes, adopting a pitiful slouch that made her appear smaller.

At Nathaniel's name, Julian's posture stiffened. "Absolutely not."

If Victoria married Nathaniel, the Montgomery and Whitmore families would be forced to interact regularly. And what exactly did she see in that arrogant businessman anyway?

Victoria's smile faltered. "Julian, why not? The Whitmores are one of Bern City's most prominent families. Nathaniel is brilliant and successful. We'd be perfectly matched."

"He's divorced."

"That doesn't matter to me."

"It matters to me." Julian's voice turned glacial. "Victoria, I'll say this clearly - I won't perform the surgery, and I don't support this marriage. This is for your own good."

Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and strode away, leaving Victoria standing alone, her face darkening with frustration.

As she watched Julian disappear down the corridor, Victoria puzzled over his vehement opposition.

Yet beneath her confusion flickered a spark of hope - Julian's resistance seemed rooted in protective concern. That meant his stance could still be changed.

After all, she was the darling of the Montgomery family.

She immediately dialed Gregory, her assistant. "Gregory, Julian has been at Bern City General for weeks. Why wasn't I informed?"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Sinclair. Dr. Montgomery values his privacy and rarely keeps assistants. Tracking his movements, especially when he doesn't want to be found, is nearly impossible."

"This is unacceptable!" Victoria hissed. "Find out why Julian is in Bern City and investigate any past connections between him and Nathaniel. Leave no stone unturned."

She ended the call with an exasperated sigh.

Beyond the incident three years ago, what other reason could Julian have for despising Nathaniel so intensely?