Chapter 238

Nathaniel's piercing gaze locked onto Julian. "What exactly is your relationship with Evelyn?"

A cold smirk played on Julian's lips. "That's none of your business. But mark my words - she's off limits to you. Stay away!"

The Montgomery brothers had decided confrontation was necessary. Better to lay all cards on the table now.

The air in the grand hall turned thick with tension.

Nathaniel straightened his cufflinks. "Dr. Montgomery, you overstep. Grandmother Eleanor entrusted Evelyn's care to me. Her affairs are my responsibility."

Alexander's fist clenched at the sheer audacity. Nathaniel was already engaged to Victoria! The man wanted to have his cake and eat it too?

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable, his posture rigid with defiance.

Alexander saw red. In one swift motion, he grabbed Nathaniel's collar and shoved him against the wall. "Take that back or I'll put you through this goddamn wall!"

How dare Nathaniel openly declare his intentions toward Evelyn after everything?

Nathaniel's eyes burned with challenge. "I won't retract a word."

Julian's voice cut through like ice. "Do you honestly think you're worthy of Evelyn? I initially refused to operate on Eleanor Whitmore."

He stepped closer, his disdain palpable. "I don't waste my skills on those I despise - and you top that list. But Evelyn begged me. That's the only reason I agreed."

Nathaniel staggered as if struck. His voice came out raw. "Evelyn... pleaded with you?"

"Exactly." Julian's smile was razor-sharp. "Only for Evelyn's sake did I consent. Eleanor showed her kindness once - I repay debts."

Nathaniel's world tilted. His knees nearly buckled as the truth slammed into him.

All this time, he'd believed it was Victoria's influence...

Not Evelyn's silent sacrifice.

"Why..." His throat worked. "Why wouldn't she tell me?"

Julian watched Nathaniel's crumbling composure with grim satisfaction. "Perhaps she knew you'd react like this - proving once more you don't deserve her."

He delivered the final blow. "Stay away from Evelyn, Nathaniel. Or should I remind you who holds Eleanor's life in his hands?"

Nathaniel's hands trembled. "I can't make that promise."

"Your choice." Julian shrugged. "But remember - one word from me, and Eleanor's surgery gets delayed indefinitely. How long do you think her heart can wait?"

Alexander barked a laugh. "Every time Evelyn suffers, a Whitmore is involved. If you truly cared, you'd disappear from her life permanently."

The words hit like bullets. Nathaniel had no defense - each accusation was painfully accurate.

Slowly, he raised his eyes to the three Montgomery brothers standing united against him. The battle lines had been drawn.