Chapter 230

People were truly worlds apart.

Nathaniel yanked at his tie in frustration. "Actually, my engagement with Victoria is—"

"Save it, Mr. Whitmore!" Evelyn cut him off sharply. "Someone like me has no right to question you, let alone listen to your explanations!" She turned on her heel and walked away before he could finish.

Tilting her head back, she blinked rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall.

Watching Evelyn retreat, Nathaniel slammed his fist against the wall. A sharp pain shot through him instantly.

When Robert saw blood seeping through Nathaniel's knuckles, he paled and immediately called for a nurse to clean and bandage the wound.

But one glance at Nathaniel's expression silenced him.

Was that… helplessness flickering in the usually composed and calculating man’s eyes?

Robert sighed inwardly. Ever since Nathaniel and Evelyn had agreed to divorce, chaos had become their new normal.

Just then, Nathaniel’s phone rang.

He answered without looking. "Yes?"

"Nathaniel, tomorrow’s your big day. Come home for dinner tonight. Victoria will be joining us—"

Beatrice’s words were cut off as Nathaniel ended the call abruptly. His gaze turned icy as he watched Evelyn climb into a taxi and disappear down the street.

Beatrice tried calling back several times, but Nathaniel ignored every attempt.

With an awkward smile, she turned to Victoria. "He must be swamped with work. You know how much the company relies on him."

Victoria’s smile tightened, but she kept her voice sweet. "It’s fine, Mrs. Harrington. I understand Nathaniel’s busy."

"You’re so understanding, dear. Still, you must stay for dinner. Weren’t your brothers supposed to arrive today?"

Victoria stiffened slightly. "They were, but their flight got delayed. I’ll pick them up after dinner."

"Why not ask Nathaniel to go with you later? Though, given his schedule, he might not be free. If that’s the case, I’d be happy to accompany you," Beatrice offered.

"That’s not necessary, Mrs. Harrington. It’s late, and you should rest. Tomorrow will be hectic."

Victoria quickly declined. She had just lied about her brothers’ delayed flight—if Beatrice came along, her deception would be exposed.

That afternoon, Victoria tried reaching out to Alexander, hoping to arrange a dinner with her brothers and Nathaniel.

But Alexander was occupied, Sebastian said he’d arrive the next day, and Julian didn’t answer her calls.

Victoria didn’t push further. Her time with the Montgomery family had always revolved around Eleanor, and her brothers had never shown her much warmth.

She knew she was just a placeholder for the real Montgomery heiress.

So she kept her head down, biding her time—until tomorrow, when she’d finally become Mrs. Whitmore.

Once she had that title, she wouldn’t need to care about the Montgomerys’ opinions or cater to Eleanor anymore.

Dinner was just Beatrice and Victoria.

Victoria was well aware that Beatrice’s affection stemmed solely from her status as the Montgomery heiress.

Midway through the meal, her phone rang. Seeing Alexander’s name, she excused herself eagerly. "It’s Alexander!"

She answered quickly. "Alexander, are you done with work?"

"Victoria, I meant to discuss this after your engagement tomorrow, but I think you should know now." His tone was unreadable.

"I’ve sent a document to your inbox. Review it, and let me know if you have any requests."

After hanging up, Victoria opened the file.

The title was stark and unmistakable: Termination of Adoption Agreement.