Chapter 242

"She said she encountered her adoptive parents and would be running late."

"Adoptive parents?"

Julian's brow furrowed instantly. Walter and Beverly Simmons had an uncanny talent for stirring up trouble, always reappearing to disturb Evelyn's peace.

Jonathan cleared his throat nervously. "There's something I've been meaning to ask since earlier."

Julian turned his sharp gaze toward him. "What is it?"

"I mean no offense. It's just... seeing all of you at the engagement ceremony surprised me. Are you somehow related to Ms. Sinclair? Evelyn never mentioned any connection."

When Evelyn had interacted with Victoria earlier, her demeanor had been frosty - nothing like the warmth one might expect between relatives.

Julian's fingers tapped impatiently against his armrest as realization dawned. They'd nearly forgotten this crucial detail.

Originally, they'd assumed Evelyn would attend today's event, making concealment unnecessary.

But with her unexpected absence, the situation had become complicated.

"We're distant relatives," Julian offered with forced casualness.

Jonathan nodded slowly. "Considering the importance of Ms. Sinclair's engagement, it's unusual her family hasn't made an appearance."

"Engagements aren't as significant as weddings. Times have changed."

"I suppose you're right."

Jonathan didn't press further, acknowledging his limited understanding of aristocratic family dynamics.

Yet the revelation about Evelyn's connection to the prestigious Sinclair family of Nord City shocked him profoundly.

No wonder Victoria had insisted on Evelyn designing the wedding venue from the beginning.

There had been hidden connections all along!

Clearly, Evelyn harbored secrets. Jonathan would need to work harder to earn her trust.

Julian returned to his seat with a stormy expression. "Evelyn still hasn't arrived. According to Jonathan, she ran into her adoptive parents this morning."

Alexander's face darkened. "I just tried calling her. Her phone's switched off. What if those people did something to her?"

The three men, already uneasy about contacting Evelyn directly, now regretted their restraint.

None had anticipated her absence.

Julian shifted restlessly. "We can't just wait here. Let's go investigate. We shouldn't underestimate those despicable people."

Alexander stood abruptly. "I've instructed Olivia to check the surveillance footage from Evelyn's residence. We'll know exactly what happened."

As one, the three men rose to leave.

Victoria rushed in, blocking their path. "Alexander, Sebastian, Julian - where are you going?"

Alexander met her gaze coolly. "Where's Nathaniel?"

Victoria's face tightened. "I reviewed the footage. He simply walked out of the main hall and left."

Julian scoffed. "Clearly demonstrating his lack of responsibility."

Victoria's fists clenched. "Julian, I demand to know what you said to him. Why would he leave without a word?"

Since Nathaniel had shown up today, she'd believed him committed to their arrangement.

His sudden departure baffled her, especially as he continued ignoring her calls.

Julian shrugged. "Our conversation was simple. I advised him to remain faithful to you and stay away from other women."

"If he chooses otherwise, he'll regret it."

Should Nathaniel dare approach Evelyn again, consequences would follow.

Victoria's expression softened slightly. "Perhaps Nathaniel had urgent business..."

With visible disappointment, Alexander interjected, "No need to wait. We have pressing matters. We're leaving."

Victoria's face drained of color. "Alexander! What could possibly be more important than my engagement?"