Chapter 286

Julian nodded. "I'm not the only surgeon involved in this procedure. I'll need everyone's cooperation."

The meeting concluded shortly after, the attendees dispersing from the conference room.

Julian was about to leave when Nathaniel's sharp voice cut through the air. "Dr. Montgomery, a word."

Julian's lips thinned. Reluctantly, he turned, his gaze icy. "What?"

Nathaniel closed the distance between them, neither man willing to back down.

After a tense silence, Nathaniel spoke first. "Dr. Montgomery, I appreciate you agreeing to operate on my grandmother. But stay away from Evelyn. She's still my wife."

"Your wife?" Julian scoffed. "How shameless. The divorce will be finalized after the surgery, won't it?"

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. "I never said that."

"Going back on your word now, Nathaniel Whitmore?" Julian grabbed Nathaniel's collar, his expression dark. "If the surgery weren't in two days, I'd knock you out right here."

As a surgeon, his hands were his livelihood—especially with such a complex procedure ahead.

He couldn't afford to lose control, no matter how much this bastard deserved it.

Nathaniel stood his ground. "Likewise. I've tolerated you long enough."

"Fine. After the surgery, we settle this properly. The loser walks away."

Evelyn arrived just then, witnessing the confrontation.

She rushed between them. "Stop it!"

Julian released Nathaniel and straightened his coat. "I've said what I needed to. Let's go, Evelyn."

"Really?" She eyed him skeptically.

Thankfully, she'd arrived before things escalated.

Without another word, Julian took her hand and led her out.

Evelyn glanced back at Nathaniel, who remained rooted in place.

His expression was unreadable, something dark and turbulent in his gaze.

A strange pang twisted her chest, and she quickly looked away.

She must be imagining things.

Why would he look at her like that?

Nathaniel watched them leave, his jaw clenched as their intertwined hands burned into his vision.

Once they were gone, he loosened his tie and turned to Robert. "Tell me, does Evelyn have terrible taste? Of all people, she chooses Victoria's brother."

Robert hesitated. "I think she still cares for you. Why not win her back, Mr. Whitmore?"

Nathaniel stiffened. "What for? Don't be ridiculous."

His pride wounded, he added stiffly, "I'm only concerned she's being deceived. Grandmother would worry. This isn't about Evelyn."

Robert sighed.

Nathaniel always said the opposite of what he meant when it came to women.

Ever since Evelyn accepted the divorce without protest, he'd been acting out of character.

Evelyn followed Julian out of the private hospital.

Settling into the passenger seat, she glanced at him. "How did the meeting go?"

"Well. The surgery is scheduled for three days from now."

The reminder sobered her. "Julian, it has to succeed. Eleanor Whitmore means everything to me."

"Don't worry. I'll give it my all." Determination hardened his gaze.

For Evelyn, who loved Eleanor like family, he'd do whatever it took.

Then nothing would tie her to the Whitmores anymore.

She smiled faintly. "That puts my mind at ease."

"Come to Nord City with us, Evelyn. Start fresh with your babies—far from the Whitmores."

"Eventually. But not yet."

He frowned. "What's stopping you?"

She shook her head. "I need to finish my college credits. Once Eleanor recovers, I'll talk to Aunt Margaret. Maybe in a few months, when I'm further along, I'll join you."

Julian calculated silently. A few months—he could wait.

At the hospital, Evelyn went straight for her prenatal checkup.

During the ultrasound, the doctor smiled. "Congratulations! Two heartbeats. You're having twins."

Evelyn stared at the monitor in shock. "Twins?"

"Yes."

Beaming, she left with the report.

Julian met her outside. "Everything alright?"

"The doctor said it's twins. I need bloodwork next." She couldn't stop smiling. "Julian, two babies!"

He scanned the report, his lips quirking slightly before he schooled his expression.

"Twins are higher risk. I still don't agree with keeping them."

Her health mattered more.

She tugged his sleeve. "I'll be careful. Nothing will go wrong."

He sighed. "Still keeping it from Alexander and the others?"

"For now. We'll tell them when I move to Nord City." She gave him pleading eyes.

Finally, he relented. "Fine. But only until then."

Alexander didn't know about the pregnancy. A few more months wouldn't hurt.

Julian could already picture the beating he'd take for keeping this secret.

Suddenly, a woman snatched the report from Evelyn.

"I knew it! You're pregnant, Evelyn Carter! You're finished!"

Evelyn stared at the masked woman. "Cassandra?"

The woman yanked off her mask.

Cassandra Blake smirked. "That's right. It's me."

This was their first encounter since the demolition incident.