Chapter 78

Nathaniel was stunned into silence.

Evelyn rushed to assist Eleanor out of the mansion while Beatrice lingered behind, her steps deliberately slow.

Her gaze drifted to the wedding portrait hanging in the foyer, and irritation prickled beneath her skin.

"Nathaniel, I thought you'd gotten rid of her?"

"Mother, it's just for show."

"I need to contact Ms. Sinclair immediately—her brother must perform the surgery on your grandmother as soon as possible."

"Otherwise, this charade will never end."

Nathaniel didn’t move. Instead, his eyes flicked back to the wedding photo, an unreadable emotion tightening his chest.

When Evelyn returned to escort Beatrice out, she, too, paused at the portrait.

Nathaniel approached, his voice low. "I expect you to play your part flawlessly until Grandmother’s surgery is complete."

"I will. Now that she’s gone, may I leave?"

His brow furrowed. "Why the hurry? Someone waiting for you?"

"Someone very important," Evelyn replied smoothly.

Margaret had been expecting her.

Evelyn glanced at Abigail and instructed, "Put my things in the walk-in closet. That way, I won’t need to pack next time."

As she turned, Nathaniel’s voice cut in, sharp with disapproval. "Men in the entertainment industry are notoriously unreliable. Don’t be naive."

There he went again—misinterpreting her relationship with Daniel.

She arched a brow, feigning indifference. "No need to worry. He’s breathtakingly handsome."

Nathaniel sank onto the sofa, glowering as she walked away. The memory of that viral tabloid headline twisted something inside him.

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at the studio as usual.

To her surprise, Cassandra wasn’t there. She’d expected to meet with her today.

Moments later, the receptionist called out, "You have a visitor."

In the meeting room, Victoria sat waiting.

Evelyn sighed. "What now? Can’t you people leave me alone?"

Victoria smiled thinly. "You misunderstand. I’m not here about the house."

"Then why?"

"You know Eleanor’s health has been declining. She’s been waiting for this surgery—the one only my brother can perform successfully."

Evelyn’s expression remained cool. "Get to the point."

"It’s simple. I’ve been persuading him, but there’s one obstacle." Victoria leaned forward. "He won’t agree while you’re still married to Nathaniel. He doesn’t want me entangled in scandal."

"If you file for divorce first, my brother will operate immediately. Eleanor won’t have to suffer any longer."

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed. "Are you holding Eleanor’s life hostage, Victoria?"

She hadn’t expected such ruthlessness. Didn’t Victoria claim to love Nathaniel? How could she weaponize the woman he cherished most?

Victoria’s smile didn’t waver. "This isn’t a threat. It’s for Eleanor’s sake. She’s refusing treatment because of you. Her condition worsens daily. Does that not weigh on you?"

"You’re clever, Evelyn. You’ll make the right choice."

Evelyn studied her. "If I divorce Nathaniel, your brother will operate?"

"Of course. He’d do anything for me."