Chapter 243

Victoria couldn't fathom why Nathaniel had abandoned her. Now even her brothers were turning their backs on her.

They were supposed to be her family. On the most important day of her life, what could possibly matter more than her?

Nathaniel's absence was bad enough, but having her brothers stay might have salvaged some dignity from this disaster.

Now? She'd be the laughingstock of high society.

She clenched her teeth, waiting for Evelyn's arrival. This time, she wouldn't hold back.

Alexander's voice cut through her thoughts. "Victoria, with Nathaniel gone, this engagement is meaningless. We should call it off."

The word "cancel" sent ice through her veins.

"No!" The denial tore from her throat. "We'll proceed as planned. Nathaniel had urgent business, that's all."

Hadn't Evelyn married into the Whitmore family when Nathaniel was comatose? Why should she accept less?

Julian's lips curled in disdain. "How long will you keep lying to yourself, Victoria? Do you actually believe Nathaniel wants this marriage?"

Her nails bit into her palms. "What are you suggesting? Of course he wants to marry me! Why else would we be here?"

Something in Julian's tone set off alarms in her mind.

"Wasn't his proposal contingent on my agreement to operate on Eleanor Whitmore?"

Victoria's blood ran cold. He knew.

She forced a brittle smile. "Whether Nathaniel loves me is my concern. I love him. In time, he'll—"

"Lies have consequences," Julian interrupted. "Have you considered what happens when the truth comes out?"

"I haven't lied!" Her voice rose sharply. "You agreed to the surgery too. When did I ever deceive Nathaniel?"

The unspoken truth hovered between them.

Should he tell her he'd only agreed because of Evelyn? That revelation would raise dangerous questions about Evelyn's identity.

With Evelyn absent today, that particular Pandora's box would remain closed.

Julian remained silent.

Alexander checked his phone, his expression darkening. "We need to leave."

Olivia's message had come through. Their surveillance team had located Evelyn.

Every second counted now.

Victoria blocked their path. "What could possibly be more important than this?"

"Company emergency," Alexander lied smoothly.

As her brothers walked away, a cold dread settled in Victoria's chest.

This was supposed to be her day. Why was everyone abandoning her?

The contract Alexander had given her earlier burned in her mind. They thought they could discard her so easily?

After years as the Montgomery heiress, she wouldn't be cast aside.

She'd fight tooth and nail to keep her position.

Penelope's voice broke through her thoughts. "Victoria, why did your brothers leave?"

She smoothed her expression. "Urgent business at Montgomery Enterprises."

"And Nathaniel? Work couldn't wait?"

Penelope's skepticism was obvious. "On your engagement day? What could possibly be more important?"