Chapter 239

Nathaniel's voice thundered through the grand hall, sharp with fury. "What the hell is that look in your eyes?"

Sebastian said nothing. His jaw clenched as he turned on his heel and strode away, his movements stiff and uncoordinated.

The tension in the room thickened.

Julian watched Sebastian's retreat, his brow furrowing. Something about Sebastian's reaction felt... off.

Had he missed something crucial?

Alexander's voice cut through the silence. "Nathaniel, it seems Victoria has lied to us again."

Julian exhaled sharply. "I never thought she'd have the audacity to fabricate something like this to Sebastian. This isn't the first time she's shamelessly deceived us."

Sebastian's reaction suggested a pattern—Victoria had been manipulating the Whitmore family for far too long.

Now, Julian couldn't help but wonder—did Sebastian actually have feelings for Victoria?

Rubbing his temples, Nathaniel spoke firmly. "I know. I'll settle Victoria's identity issue before Evelyn returns. I won't let her suffer any injustice."

Sebastian added, "Evelyn is the designer for this engagement ceremony. She'll be here soon. We need to figure out how to explain this to her."

Julian's lips twisted wryly. "This is... complicated. Nathaniel, as the eldest, this falls on you. You've got this."

Nathaniel shot him a glare. "I've noticed Evelyn gets along well with you. Why don't you handle it?"

Despite their years of navigating life's challenges, the three brothers hesitated.

Exchanging glances, they all wished they could vanish into the shadows. How were they supposed to explain this to Evelyn?

Meanwhile—

Upstairs, in the lavish dressing room, Victoria stood before the mirror, draped in a dazzling white wedding gown.

A smug smile curled her lips as she admired her reflection. The day she had waited for—the day she would finally secure her place as Mrs. Whitmore—had arrived.

In her mind, this engagement meant Evelyn no longer had a place in the Whitmore family.

Penelope, standing beside her, couldn't help but gush. "Victoria, you look absolutely breathtaking."

"Thank you," Victoria replied smoothly. "Every woman shines brightest in a wedding gown. Your turn will come soon enough."

Penelope's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Victoria, does Sebastian have a girlfriend?"

After some digging, she'd discovered Sebastian was a rising star in the tech world—a self-made entrepreneur with limitless potential.

That revelation had solidified her preference for him over Julian, the doctor.

Victoria arched a brow. "From what I know, he doesn't. Sebastian is a workaholic—always buried in his projects."

"Victoria, since we're about to be family, wouldn't it be wonderful if we grew closer? Maybe you could arrange for me to meet him?"

Victoria suppressed a scoff. Did Penelope really think she was worthy of someone like Sebastian?

Keeping her disdain hidden, Victoria smiled sweetly. "Of course. I'll introduce you after the engagement."

"Victoria, thank you—or should I call you sister now?"

Victoria's smile deepened. "By the way, Penelope, have you heard about the demolition issues in Evelyn's old neighborhood?"

Penelope groaned. "Ugh, don't remind me. Because of that mess, my mother nearly disowned me. She's been keeping me locked up at home, convinced I need to 'ward off bad luck.'"

"It took so much begging just to get her to let me come today."

"She's ridiculously superstitious—thinks I need to stay indoors for days to avoid 'negative energy.' That's why she couldn't make it."

Victoria nodded sympathetically. "It's understandable. She just cares about your well-being."