Chapter 195

Julian glanced at his phone screen before answering the call. "Yes?"

"Julian, did you know Alexander and Olivia returned today?" Victoria's voice carried an edge of suspicion.

"Really? I wasn't aware." He sensed Victoria's probing but kept his tone deliberately neutral.

Evelyn had secretly informed the family that Nathaniel had picked up the couple from the airport without anyone's knowledge, narrowly avoiding Victoria's surveillance.

Julian had no intention of revealing this to Victoria.

Meanwhile, Victoria kept checking her watch in the parking lot. The minutes stretched with no sign of Alexander and Olivia.

Something felt wrong. Still holding the phone, her voice sharpened. "You seriously didn't know?"

"I've been buried in work. How would I?"

"Alexander and Olivia are actually here! I was running late to the airport and missed them. Call them and arrange dinner. They're attending my engagement party - I should properly thank them."

Julian fabricated an excuse smoothly. "I'm in a meeting now. I'll check with them later."

Victoria's grip tightened on her phone. Getting Alexander's location was clearly impossible now.

Yet she pressed harder, sensing his evasion. "Julian, why did Alexander acquire that small factory? It's bizarre for him to invest in some irrelevant company."

Especially when that company's owner had spread vicious rumors about Evelyn.

Without Alexander's sudden acquisition leading to their bankruptcy, Evelyn wouldn't have emerged unscathed.

The memory made Victoria's jaw tighten. She needed answers, but Alexander remained frustratingly tight-lipped.

Naturally, Julian knew the truth but would never betray Evelyn's confidence. "No idea. Alexander's business decisions aren't my concern."

Victoria's expression darkened when the call ended, but she quickly smoothed her features.

Turning to Penelope, she fabricated smoothly. "My brother got called into an urgent meeting."

"I see. Business first. Your brother must be very important," Penelope remarked.

Victoria forced a smile. "Yes, he came to Bern City for my engagement, but work always pulls him away. He probably carved out time just for the ceremony."

Yet unease coiled in her stomach.

She couldn't show weakness to Penelope. Being the neglected Ms. Sinclair was her shameful secret, one she'd guard fiercely.

No one in Bern City could know.

That's exactly why she was determined to marry Nathaniel and establish herself here.

Penelope looked envious. "Your brother may be busy, but he's generous. Mine froze all my accounts, and my family supported his decision."

The financial restriction clearly rankled Penelope.

Victoria's smile faltered momentarily at the mention of allowances.

In truth, every penny was her own hard-earned money and savings.