Chapter 247
The moment Beatrice Harrington spoke, Evelyn Carter was struck by the same unsettling thought.
Wasn't today supposed to be Nathaniel Whitmore's engagement?
His comment to Penelope Whitmoreโcalling Evelyn her sisterโleft her utterly confused. Had he lost his mind?
Couldn't he see how close Victoria Sinclair was to tears?
Dressed in a pristine white gown, Victoria looked every bit the blushing bride, ethereal and radiant. Was Nathaniel blind to her beauty?
As Evelyn's thoughts spiraled, she noticed Nathaniel striding toward her. She tilted her head back to meet his gaze, her neck straining from the effort.
Good Lord, he was tall.
Nathaniel stopped in front of her, his sharp eyes locked onto hers.
Evelyn shifted uncomfortably under his intense scrutiny.
What was wrong with him?
Why was he staring at her like that?
Beatrice, relentless as ever, pressed on. "Nathaniel, are you going to answer my question?"
Nathaniel's brows furrowed in irritation. "Why would any other woman matter to me?"
"Nathaniel!"
Victoria lifted her veil, her voice trembling. "Nathaniel, today is our engagement. Have you forgotten?"
Nathaniel's lips pressed into a thin, cold line.
Evelyn stole a glance at Victoria, a pang of recognition hitting her. She, too, had once been dismissed so carelessly by Nathaniel.
Clearing her throat, Evelyn spoke up. "Mr. Whitmore, your fiancรฉeโMs. Sinclairโis speaking to you. Can't you hear her?"
Nathaniel scowled. "She's not my fiancรฉe."
Evelyn scoffed. "You don't owe me an explanation. I was the one who designed this engagement venue, after all. May the two of you have a lifetime of happiness."
She took a deliberate step back. "Oh, and donโt forgetโonce Grandma Eleanorโs surgery is over at the end of the month, we still have that courthouse appointment. Itโs long overdue."
Without another word, Evelyn turned and walked away. She had no intention of staying a second longer.
Nathaniel watched her retreating figure, frustration knotting in his chest. He didnโt know how to make her stay.
"Nathaniel, why are you so concerned about Evelyn? Today is your engagement!" Beatrice snapped.
She wanted Evelyn goneโfar away from Nathanielโs thoughts.
Nathaniel stood frozen for a moment before finally turning to Victoria, his gaze icy.
Victoria had been smiling, but as his eyes met hers, her expression stiffened. "Nathaniel, you look upset. Whatโs wrong?"
"Nathaniel, how dare you look unhappy?" Beatrice interjected. "Victoria waited for you all this time, and she didnโt evenโ"
Nathaniel cut her off, his voice sharp. "Let me ask you again, Victoria. Did you convince Julian to perform the surgery on Grandma?"
Victoriaโs face paled. "Of course it was me. Who else could have done it?"
For a fleeting second, doubt flickered in her mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
She was a Sinclair. Why wouldnโt Julian agree to the surgery for her sake?
Nathanielโs jaw tightened as he recalled Evelynโs earlier words. She hadnโt protested, hadnโt foughtโjust reminded him of their pending divorce.
Evelyn was ruthless.
Straightening his tie, Nathaniel delivered his verdict. "The engagement is off."
Victoriaโs face drained of color. "W-What? Why?"
Beatrice gasped. "Nathaniel, you canโt just call it off!"