Chapter 180

Evelyn's voice was firm. "Julian, since you're involved in this surgery, I need you to update me immediately if there's any change in Eleanor's condition."

Her concern for Eleanor was genuine.

Watching Evelyn's intense expression, Julian sighed. "Evelyn, relax. Eleanor will pull through. I give you my word."

He would give this surgery his all—not just for Eleanor, but to ensure Evelyn could finally break free from the Whitmore family's shadow.

After Evelyn left, Julian called Alexander. "When exactly did I agree to attend Victoria's engagement?"

Alexander cleared his throat. "Didn't I say I couldn't make it?"

"Then that's your problem," Julian snapped. "I never agreed to this. You made the promise, not me."

He despised Victoria's manipulative tactics—using Eleanor as leverage.

Had Victoria been sincere, things might have been different. But her actions shattered the illusion of innocence she wore so well.

Julian had no patience for two-faced people.

A sigh came through the phone. "Fine. I'll fly to Bern City in a few days."

"Olivia and I want to see the situation for ourselves, especially after the accusations against Evelyn."

"About Victoria's engagement—here's my idea..." Alexander laid out his plan.

Julian considered it. "It could work. But I doubt Victoria will agree. Still, worth a try."

"Just keep Evelyn out of it. I don’t want her dragged into more trouble."

"Julian, Victoria wouldn’t go that far," Alexander insisted.

Julian fell silent.

Beneath his brother's cool exterior lay unwavering trust—even in Victoria, despite her being adopted into their family.

In the end, Julian didn’t argue. If Victoria married Nathaniel and stayed in Bern City, that was enough.

Once Evelyn returned to Nord City, no one would dare hurt her again.

And when her child was born, they’d be welcomed into the Montgomery family without hesitation.

Evelyn would have the freedom—and protection—she deserved.

Attending the engagement might be Julian’s final goodbye to Victoria.

The next morning, Evelyn woke to breaking news—Victoria’s engagement had taken over every entertainment headline.

Photos showed Victoria in a wedding dress—the same one Evelyn had seen during her visit.

The engagement date was now public. Evelyn wasn’t surprised.

She went to class, then headed to the studio.

Repeating a year meant she barely knew her classmates—and she wasn’t interested in changing that.

At the studio, Cassandra’s workspace stood empty, stripped of all personal belongings.

Evelyn felt a twinge of regret.

Cassandra had been a talented designer, once placing second in the prestigious Fleur International Design Competition.

But one wrong choice had ruined everything.

Evelyn’s thoughts drifted to her own marriage—eerily similar to Cassandra’s downfall.

Then her phone buzzed.

The caller’s name made her eyes narrow. She hadn’t spoken to Beverly in months.

This call could only mean trouble.