Chapter 289

Evelyn gently tucked Archibald's hand back under the blanket and asked calmly, "Dr. Whitmore, may I ask why you summoned me here?"

Julian slowly rose to his feet, adjusting his glasses. His sharp gaze held a trace of suspicion as it lingered on her.

He approached the bedside with measured steps, clearly preoccupied. "As our guest, I believe you should pay respects to my gravely ill father. It's basic courtesy."

"My apologies for the oversight." Evelyn lowered her head in contrition.

Initially, she'd feared seeing Archibald's condition might cause her to lose composure and reveal herself. But those fears dissipated the moment she realized his illness was feigned.

Margaret set down her towel and ran trembling fingers through Archibald's silver hair. Her voice cracked as she whispered, "Archibald, please wake up. What will become of me without you?"

Victoria rushed to Margaret's side, grasping her arm in support. "Grandmother, don't distress yourself. You'll always have me, even if Grandfather..." Her voice trailed off meaningfully.

Margaret clutched Victoria's hand with desperate hope. "Victoria, how will we manage the family enterprises without your grandfather?"

Barely containing her excitement, Victoria quickly schooled her features into sorrow. "You're right, we can't imagine life without him. But Uncle Julian and I won't fail his legacy if... if the worst happens."

"Leave Julian out of this." Margaret shot him a dismissive glance. "He's not blood-related and has no inheritance rights. Besides, he's just a doctor - what does he know about business?"

Julian remained silent, fists clenched at his sides. A dangerous glint flickered behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

"Has Grandfather prepared a will?" Victoria couldn't quite mask the eagerness in her tone.

Margaret nodded. "Long settled. The family holdings and all properties go to you. Naturally, we've left Julian sufficient funds for life."

Victoria nearly glowed with triumph, though she maintained a discreet facade while Julian stood frozen like a statue. Evelyn found the entire charade darkly amusing.

"Grandmother, I want nothing. Only Grandfather's recovery matters to me." Victoria forced tears to roll down her cheeks.

Margaret sighed, patting Victoria's hand tenderly. "You're truly the best, dear. Your grandfather would be so touched."

Evelyn could endure no more. She cleared her throat pointedly.

All eyes turned to her.

"Madam Hoffis, I believe you and Mr. Hoffis remain unaware - Victoria isn't an Aldenrian citizen. She has no inheritance rights here." Evelyn delivered the bombshell casually.

Margaret reeled back. "What nonsense is this?"

Victoria gaped, her gaze darting between Evelyn and Julian with dawning realization of betrayal.

Evelyn offered Julian a thin smile. "Dr. Whitmore, why haven't you informed your parents of this?"

Julian's expression darkened dangerously. His steely glare could have pierced steel, veins bulging in his neck.

Evelyn's words had shattered his carefully constructed plans. Despite his feelings for her, at this moment he wanted to throttle her.

Margaret rose angrily. "Explain yourselves! Why isn't Victoria an Aldenrian? Answer me, Victoria!"

She seized Victoria's hand. "Is this woman lying, or have you renounced your citizenship?"

Victoria stood paralyzed, suddenly realizing Julian might have been manipulating her all along.