Chapter 174

Evelyn stood firm, her resolve unshaken despite everything she'd endured.

Nathaniel remained motionless, his piercing gaze withdrawing before he turned toward the nearby elevator.

Victoria hurried after him, her voice laced with excitement. "Nathaniel, I was thinking—I'd love to have my brothers at our engagement ceremony. What do you think?"

His response was indifferent. "Do as you please."

Their engagement was nothing more than a transaction, a calculated move.

A sly smile curved Victoria's lips. "Nathaniel, is this a business dinner? Maybe I should join you."

His expression darkened. "Unnecessary. It's a men's gathering. Do you really want to force your way in?"

Without another word, he stepped into the elevator, leaving her standing there. No matter how thick-skinned she was, all she could do was watch as the doors slid shut.

A flicker of frustration crossed Victoria's face, but she swallowed it down. For now, she had to play along.

Still, if Nathaniel agreed to let her brothers attend, that would be enough.

Hope flaring, she dialed Alexander's number. "Alexander, there's something I need to discuss with you."

At the Montgomery estate in Nord City, Alexander lounged on the sofa. "Go ahead," he replied lazily.

"In just a few days, Nathaniel and I will be engaged. It's a huge moment for me."

"I want my family there. Could you, Sebastian, and Julian come to the ceremony?"

Alexander frowned. He'd never been fond of Nathaniel.

His answer was noncommittal. "Depends on my schedule. If I'm free, I'll try."

"Alexander, please make time. It would mean everything to me. You know Grandma always said she'd attend my wedding if it ever happened."

"But Bern City is so far. I didn’t want to trouble her just for the engagement."

Alexander's frown deepened. "Don’t mention this to Grandma. She’d insist on coming, and with her health, the trip would be too much."

Disappointment flashed in Victoria's eyes, but her voice stayed composed. "Exactly my thoughts. That’s why I’m asking you three to come instead."

After a pause, Alexander relented slightly. "Julian’s already in Bern City, so he’ll be there. I’ll see what I can do."

"Thank you, Alexander." Victoria ended the call, her lips curling into a cold smirk.

It seemed Alexander only softened when it came to Eleanor.

She reminded herself to be patient. Once she became Mrs. Whitmore, she wouldn’t need to tread so carefully anymore.

Meanwhile, in a private dining booth, Evelyn and Jonathan finished their meal.

Jonathan, ever the gentleman, sighed. "Evelyn, I’m sorry about Cassandra. If I hadn’t brought her to the studio, none of this would’ve happened."

"It’s not your fault," Evelyn reassured him.

She knew Cassandra had the backing of Penelope and Victoria, but with Cassandra’s timid nature, she was hardly a threat.

Without power, one could only endure.

Stepping into the restroom, Evelyn studied her reflection, recalling the sight of Nathaniel and Victoria dining together. Surely, they’d finished by now.

Her hand drifted to her stomach, cradling the small bump. With her baby growing inside her, nothing else mattered.

As she exited, she nearly collided with Nathaniel. Her gaze flickered behind him—no sign of Victoria.

Was he alone?

Nathaniel’s eyes dropped to her hands, resting protectively over her abdomen.