Chapter 148

Evelyn's words struck Victoria like a bolt from the blue. Truth be told, she had come specifically to discuss this matter with Julian.

Yet pride prevented her from admitting it.

She lifted her chin defiantly. "Who says my brother won't operate on Grandma Eleanor? That was then, this is now. Julian will absolutely perform the surgery!"

Evelyn studied Victoria carefully. "You know how much Nathaniel cares for his grandmother. If he discovers you're using her condition to manipulate him, you'll regret it."

Victoria scoffed. "Mind your own business, Evelyn! Grandma Eleanor's surgery will happen soon enough, and by then I'll be engaged to Nathaniel."

As Victoria stepped into the elevator, Evelyn turned toward the hospital lounge, sinking into one of the plush chairs.

Her fingers brushed against the scan report in her bag, but she refused to let any dark thoughts surface.

She desperately wanted to believe Victoria's claims about the surgery proceeding smoothly.

But Victoria had always been full of empty boasts. If Julian had truly agreed to perform the operation, why hadn't he shown his face?

Moreover, Nathaniel was already consulting other specialists - clear evidence he doubted Victoria's story too.

Evelyn knew she needed to prepare contingencies. She had to convince Julian to find a competent surgeon.

Meanwhile, Victoria rode the elevator up to Julian's office, only to find it deserted.

Just then, Julian returned from his rounds. His expression darkened when he spotted Victoria waiting outside his door.

"What are you doing here?"

"Julian, wonderful news! Alexander has approved my marriage to Nathaniel!"

Julian froze mid-step, his brow furrowing.

"Victoria, though you're not a Montgomery by blood, we've raised you as family since childhood."

"We've always treated you well, hoping you'd marry someone worthy. What's so special about Nathaniel? Why this obsession?"

"Julian, his first marriage was arranged by Grandma Eleanor - there was never any love there. Besides, he's already ended things with that woman!"

"That woman married him when he was practically comatose, just to improve his fortunes. The moment he regained consciousness, he cast her aside. How is that acceptable behavior?"

"There's something fundamentally wrong with him!"

Victoria rushed to explain. "Julian, those weren't his true feelings! I still love him despite everything!"

"If you loved him so much, why didn't you go to him after his accident when he was nearly vegetative?"

"You listened to us and stayed away from Nord City. Now suddenly you're determined to marry him?"

Victoria's face flushed with discomfort.

"I won't waste my second chance like I did the first."

Back then, Nathaniel had been at death's door after the accident. She'd never have married a dying man.

Who could have predicted his miraculous recovery?

The thought filled her with bitter regret.

Had she taken the risk then, she might already be his wife, spared all this current trouble.

She lifted her chin defiantly. "Since Alexander has approved the marriage, we'll soon be family. You must help with Grandma Eleanor's surgery!"