Chapter 318

Evelyn noticed Eleanor growing restless and quickly moved to soothe her.

She retrieved the document and pressed it into Nathaniel’s hands. "Sign it," she urged, her voice firm yet pleading.

When Evelyn lifted her gaze to meet Nathaniel’s, she found his eyes narrowed slightly, dark and unreadable.

The tension between them was palpable as she pushed the papers toward him. "For Eleanor’s sake, just sign it. If you don’t, she won’t agree to the surgery."

Eleanor scoffed. "That’s right. If you refuse, I won’t go through with it. Even if you drag me into that operating room, I’ll walk right back out."

Standing alone, Evelyn could feel Beatrice’s venomous glare burning into her. If looks could kill, she’d have been struck down on the spot.

In the end, Nathaniel relented. He took the document and signed it with a swift, decisive stroke.

Evelyn exhaled in relief as she handed the signed papers to Eleanor. "It’s done. Nathaniel signed. Are you satisfied now?"

Eleanor’s lips curled in approval before she turned the document back toward Evelyn. "Now it’s your turn."

Evelyn hesitated. "You only asked for Nathaniel’s signature earlier. I never agreed to sign."

Her words sent a ripple of shock through the room. No one had expected her to refuse.

Nathaniel’s eyes sharpened with curiosity. Just moments ago, she had convinced him to sign—why the sudden change?

Eleanor frowned. "Evelyn, why won’t you sign?" After all, she had fought tooth and nail for Evelyn’s rights. Why was she being so difficult now?

Evelyn gently squeezed Eleanor’s hand. "With Nathaniel’s signature, the document is already legally binding."

She softened her voice. "I’d rather sign it with you after your surgery. When you’re well again. Would that be alright?"

Eleanor’s breath caught. She realized then—Evelyn was delaying her own signature because she feared this might be Eleanor’s last request.

Tears welled in Eleanor’s eyes. "Why are you being so stubborn?"

Evelyn smiled faintly. "They say fools have the best luck. The baby and I will be waiting for you when you come out."

She understood. Eleanor was preparing for the worst, ensuring everything was settled. But Evelyn refused to accept that. She needed Eleanor to come back.

Nathaniel watched Evelyn, something shifting in his chest. He hadn’t expected her refusal to stem from genuine concern for Eleanor.

Soon, the medical team arrived.

Julian Montgomery strode in, his white coat crisp. His gaze swept over the gathered Whitmores before landing on Evelyn. He had known she would be here.

After performing the standard pre-op checks, Julian nodded. "Take Mrs. Whitmore to the OR."

Evelyn leaned down, pressing a kiss to Eleanor’s forehead. "We’ll all be here when you wake up."

Eleanor sighed but said nothing more about the document. She allowed herself to be wheeled away, surrounded by doctors and nurses.

Julian shot a cold glance at the Whitmores. If not for Evelyn, he wouldn’t have agreed to this surgery at all.

Beatrice stepped forward with a saccharine smile. "Dr. Montgomery, we’re counting on you. After all, we’re practically family now. No need for formalities."

Julian’s reply was icy. "I don’t consider myself part of this family."