Chapter 153
The moment their gazes locked, the atmosphere crackled with tension. Nathaniel froze, his body going rigid as he took in Julian's unexpected presence.
What in the world was he doing here?
Before he could process it further, Victoria rushed into the office behind him. Her breath hitched when she spotted Julian standing there.
"Julian?" Her voice trembled with disbelief. "Why are you here?"
She practically flew into the room, her pulse racing with sudden exhilaration.
Of all people, she never imagined she'd run into him here.
Her hands clenched at her sides as hope surged through her. "Julian, does this mean you've agreed to perform the surgery?"
If not, why else would he be standing in Eleanor's hospital room?
Julian's expression darkened the second he saw Victoria. His jaw tightenedโthis was exactly what he'd wanted to avoid.
Evelyn was in this very hospital. If she found outโ
No. His identity couldn't be exposed. Not yet.
With deliberate calm, he replied, "I'm here to assess the patient's condition."
"Julian!" Victoria beamed, too elated to care about his indifferent tone. She threw her arms around his neck in a quick, impulsive hug.
It felt like fate was finally smiling down on her.
She had been moments away from revealing everything to Nathaniel, desperate to regain his trust. But now, here was Julian, secretly checking on Eleanor's condition.
His earlier refusal had clearly just been an act. He was going to help her after all.
Tears shimmered in her eyes as she pulled back. She turned to Nathaniel, her voice triumphant. "Nate, I told you. Julian has always been on my side. He will perform the surgery on Grandma Eleanor."
Nathaniel didn't react. Instead, his eyes narrowed in realization. "He's your brother?"
The last time Evelyn had fainted, he'd taken her to a public hospital. Julian had been the doctor who treated her.
And from what he'd observed, Evelyn knew himโintimately.
The dismissed caregiver had even whispered to him about Julian constantly hovering around Evelyn, doting on her.
The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. Now, to discover this man was Victoria's brother?
Julian smirked, unimpressed. "Got a problem with that?"
Not just Victoria's brotherโbut Evelyn's as well.
Nathaniel's expression soured, his gaze turning icy.
Victoria quickly interjected, "Nate, don't mind him. Julian's always been blunt."
Julian ignored Nathaniel entirely.
His focus remained on Victoria as he said pointedly, "Tell your fiancรฉ to stop playing with other women once he's married to you."
The warning was clearโNathaniel needed to stay away from Evelyn. If Julian found out he was messing with her, he wouldn't hesitate to break more than just his legs.
Victoria's lips curved into a radiant smile. This was even better than she'd hopedโher family was no longer opposing the marriage.
Perfect.
She hadn't slept a wink last night, tormented by Nathaniel's growing suspicions. When she'd heard he was visiting Eleanor, she'd raced here, prepared to come clean.
But Julian's unexpected appearance had changed everything.
Without missing a beat, she gushed, "Julian, don't worry. Nate isn't like that! Since you're here, does that mean you've reviewed her case? When can we schedule the surgery?"
"Stick to the original plan," Julian replied coolly. "We wait until the patient stabilizes further. Only then can we proceed."
His tone left no room for argument. "And make sure no one interferes with her treatment. The patient must be informed of any adjustments I make."