Chapter 330

Nathaniel's lips curved into a subtle smile. "That's wonderful news!"

Evelyn looked up at Nathaniel standing before her. His striking features, illuminated by the soft hospital lighting, looked like something out of a Renaissance painting.

For a brief moment, she was completely mesmerized.

Just then, Julian emerged from the operating room, exhaustion evident in his expression.

Seeing Evelyn embrace Nathaniel, Julian frowned. "What's going on here? Let go."

Hearing Julian's voice, Evelyn suddenly snapped back to reality. Overwhelmed by relief, she had instinctively hugged Nathaniel without thinking.

Blushing, she quickly released him and turned to Julian, her eyes shining. "I heard the surgery was a success!"

Julian had promised Evelyn that Eleanor's operation would go smoothly, and true to his word, he had delivered.

With a gentle smile, he ruffled Evelyn's hair. "Of course. I never break my promises to you."

Julian took his commitments to Evelyn seriously. This time, she gave him a genuine smile of gratitude.

Watching their affectionate exchange, Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. A sharp pang of jealousy twisted inside him.

It felt like someone was stealing what was rightfully his.

Julian, recognizing the look in Nathaniel's eyes, understood exactly what it meant.

But Nathaniel's chances were slim now. Julian and his brothers were determined to bring Evelyn back to Nord City permanently. By then, Nathaniel would be irrelevant.

After all, Nord City had no shortage of eligible bachelors.

Turning to Nathaniel, Julian said, "While Mrs. Whitmore's surgery went well, the next week in the ICU is critical."

"If she pulls through this period, she should be on the road to recovery."

Nathaniel's throat tightened. Emotions warred within him, leaving him momentarily speechless.

It felt as though Eleanor's survival had come at the cost of losing Evelyn, and the unfairness of it gnawed at him.

Evelyn spoke up. "I believe Grandma Eleanor will make it through this week."

Julian's gaze softened as he looked at her. "I think so too. It's getting late—we should head home."

Evelyn nodded. "Alright."

As soon as she said it, she felt the air around her grow noticeably colder.

Behind her, Nathaniel spoke in a low voice. "I'll go check on Grandma's condition."

Unable to bear the tension any longer, he turned and walked away, frustration simmering beneath the surface. If he stayed, he might lose control and do something he'd regret.

Watching Nathaniel leave, Evelyn felt a wave of relief. Eleanor was safe—that was what mattered most.

She turned back to Julian. "Julian, has the lead surgeon left? I didn’t see him come out."

Julian tensed slightly. "Ah, yes. He was exhausted."

"He left through a private exit. The surgery was long, and he performed it alone."

"That makes sense."

Julian hesitated. "Why do you want to meet him?"

"I just wanted to thank him in person. Regardless of his connection to Victoria, he’s the reason Grandma Eleanor made it through."

Whatever issues existed between her and Victoria were a separate matter.

Julian exhaled in relief. "I’ll make sure to pass along your gratitude."

"Thank you."

Evelyn didn’t press further. Given the awkward history with Victoria, she was content letting Julian handle it.

Julian studied her. "Let’s go home. You shouldn’t push yourself—you need rest."