Chapter 151

Julian Montgomery distinctly recalled never consenting to operate on Eleanor Whitmore. The thought had never crossed his mind.

His steel-gray eyes hardened as he absently traced his jawline. That left only one plausible explanation - Victoria Sinclair's deception.

No wonder she'd been hovering around him so persistently these days.

In that moment, his opinion of her plummeted further. How dare she manipulate him like this?

Tapping an impatient rhythm on his mahogany desk, he remarked, "Evelyn, despite your time as a caregiver at the Whitmore estate, they hardly treated you with kindness."

"Daniel mentioned Penelope's been harassing you relentlessly. So tell me, why are you still determined to help them?"

The Montgomery brothers already harbored deep resentment toward the Whitmores for their mistreatment of Evelyn.

Evelyn averted her gaze, fingers twisting in her lap. "I told you before, didn't I? Grandma Eleanor always showed me kindness."

"After Uncle Benjamin's accident, she was the only one who stood by me. I can't forget that, so I have to repay her."

"I see." Julian processed this revelation, realizing not every Whitmore deserved his contempt.

Finally nodding, he conceded, "Very well. I'll do this for you."

Though he despised Nathaniel and his entire family, Julian had always maintained one unbreakable rule - no Whitmore would ever receive his surgical expertise.

Yet Evelyn's pleading eyes shattered his resolve. She mattered more than any principle.

"Thank you, Julian." The tension drained from Evelyn's shoulders as relief flooded through her. She desperately wanted Eleanor to have more years ahead.

Julian offered a rare smile. "Don't mention it. It's the least I can do."

After all, Eleanor had protected Evelyn during her most vulnerable moments, before the Montgomerys found her. This debt demanded repayment.

"Let's visit Eleanor's hospital tomorrow," Julian suggested. "I'll need to review her medical records thoroughly."

Evelyn nodded. "Of course."

As she turned to leave, her fingers hovered over her phone. She considered texting Nathaniel but ultimately pocketed the device. Tomorrow's hospital visit would determine everything.

Once alone, Julian updated their family group chat: "I've agreed to operate on Eleanor Whitmore."

The response was instantaneous.

Alexander: "You swore you'd never treat a Whitmore!"

Daniel: "Absolutely not! That bastard Nathaniel still eyes Evelyn. We shouldn't lift a finger for them."

After Julian explained Evelyn's request, silence fell over the chat.

Finally Olivia weighed in: "If it's Evelyn's wish, we support it. This settles any debt to the Whitmores."

Julian had reached the same conclusion.

The following morning found Julian and Evelyn at the private hospital's gleaming entrance.

While Evelyn headed upstairs to visit Eleanor, Julian met with her medical team. Neither anticipated Nathaniel's presence in the private suite.

Evelyn froze momentarily upon seeing him, but quickly composed herself, offering Eleanor a warm smile.

"Evelyn, darling! Come sit with me." Eleanor patted the plush chair beside her bed.

Throughout their conversation, Evelyn felt Nathaniel's intense gaze burning into her. The weight became unbearable.

Excusing herself, she retreated to the adjoining kitchenette under the pretense of preparing fruit, needing space to breathe.