Chapter 150

Evelyn's gaze lingered on the doorway where Victoria had disappeared. The unanswered question still weighed heavily on her mind.

The elevator dinged, drawing her attention. Julian stepped out, his long strides carrying him swiftly toward her.

"Evelyn," he said, his voice laced with concern. "I just spoke with your doctor. They believe stress might be causing your symptoms."

She gave a small nod. "Yes, he mentioned that to me too."

Julian settled onto the bench beside her, his piercing blue eyes searching hers. "Evelyn, is there something you're not telling us?"

Despite their reunion, an invisible barrier still existed between them.

At the thought of Eleanor, Evelyn's lashes fluttered downward. Then, steeling herself, she met his gaze directly.

"It's nothing major really. Just... I've been worried about my friend's grandmother needing surgery."

Julian's expression softened. "You should have told me sooner. I actually..."

He paused, then continued, "I reached out to a colleague earlier. He's agreed to perform the surgery."

"Really?" Evelyn's entire face brightened. If Julian vouched for this doctor, she could trust the arrangement.

This was the best news she'd heard in weeks!

"However," Julian added carefully, "my colleague has a packed schedule. I thought we could visit your friend's grandmother together first - review her medical records to assess her condition properly."

"That way, we can schedule the surgery immediately afterward."

Evelyn froze. Julian coming with her meant her secret would be exposed. She bit her lip, searching for an alternative.

"Julian, wouldn't it be better if your colleague came instead? Since he's the surgeon, shouldn't he examine her personally?"

An uncomfortable tension settled between them. If Julian went, his true identity risked exposure - especially after his near slip at the hospital.

Thankfully, Evelyn's trusting nature had accepted his quick cover story about switching from veterinary medicine. But she wasn't naive.

This situation was becoming increasingly complicated.

Silence stretched between them.

Julian racked his brain for solutions. How could he arrange Eleanor's surgery without revealing his true profession?

The dilemma seemed impossible to resolve.

Finally, Evelyn couldn't bear the secrecy any longer.

"Julian," she confessed in a rush, "the truth is... my friend's grandmother is Eleanor Whitmore."

Julian's breath caught.

His brows knitted together. "Nathaniel's grandmother?"

Evelyn nodded. "Yes, it's her."

Julian exhaled sharply. Her casual reference to Eleanor suggested a closeness that surprised him. But of all people, why did it have to be Nathaniel's grandmother needing surgery?

Noticing his reaction, Evelyn studied him closely. "Julian? Is something wrong?"

Clearing his throat, Julian recovered quickly. "No, it's just... unexpected. The Whitmores are quite wealthy. Why would they need your help finding a surgeon?"

His eyes narrowed slightly. Was Nathaniel manipulating Evelyn's kindness? He wouldn't stand for that.

Evelyn looked down at her hands. "Originally, they didn't. They'd secured a top surgeon from Nord City."

"He'd agreed to do the procedure, but... something happened. He backed out at the last minute."

Julian shifted uncomfortably. Was she talking about him?