Chapter 144

"Alexander, I want to marry Nathaniel."

Alexander let out a weary sigh. "Does it have to be him?"

"Yes. He's the only one I want to spend my life with."

He considered it carefully. "Victoria, think this through. Are you absolutely certain you want to use your request on this?"

"I've never been more sure of anything."

Finally, he relented. "Fine."

Relief and joy surged through her, making her eyes sparkle. "Alexander, does this mean you approve of our marriage?"

"Yes. I gave you my word, and I'll see it through."

"Thank you, Alexander." An exhilarated Victoria ended the call.

As long as Alexander agreed, nothing could stand in her way.

Evelyn woke the next morning and immediately checked the entertainment news for updates on the famous actor.

Every time she spent time with Daniel, scandalous articles about him would flood the media.

But this time, there was nothing. Only headlines about his generous twelve-million-dollar donation at a charity auction.

She exhaled in relief.

Then her gaze caught another headline—"Ms. Sinclair Attends Charity Auction with Future Sister-in-Law."

The accompanying photo showed Victoria and Penelope stepping out of a luxury car.

Evelyn closed the tab without another glance.

She headed straight to the studio. Making money was her top priority now.

When she arrived, Jonathan was waiting outside her office. "Evelyn, you've been working nonstop lately."

"Can't afford to slow down when I need the money."

"If you're struggling with tuition, you can always talk to me."

She kept her tone even. "Thanks, Jonathan. But I've got it under control."

"Evelyn, you don’t have to push yourself so hard. I know your family situation isn’t ideal, but—"

Her eye twitched. She had rejected him subtly before, yet here he was, pressing the issue.

Her lips thinned. "Jonathan, a relationship isn’t something I’m considering right now. I’m sorry."

"I’ve had feelings for you for a long time, Evelyn. But you disappeared before I could confess."

"No one knew where you went. Now that you're back, I don’t want to miss my chance again. I’ve thought this through."

She took a deep breath. "I was married, Jonathan."

"Evelyn, you don’t have to lie to reject me."

"I’m serious." She wanted to explain further, but his disbelief was clear. So she let it go.

After work, Evelyn visited Eleanor at the hospital.

The surgery was scheduled for the weekend. Finally.

She carried a bouquet of daisies—Eleanor’s favorite—as she rode the elevator up.

When the doors opened, she saw Nathaniel in the hallway, phone pressed to his ear, expression dark. "I refuse to believe that doctor is the only one who can perform this surgery."

"What about the others? Are they incompetent?"

Robert stood beside him, tense. "Sir, we’re doing everything we can to find a suitable replacement. But it takes time."

Evelyn frowned. Wasn’t Victoria’s brother supposed to handle the surgery? What changed?

She approached quietly, flowers in hand. "Is there a problem with the arrangements?"

Robert immediately stepped aside when he noticed her. Nathaniel stiffened at the sound of her voice.