Chapter 179

A shadow of remorse flickered in Victoria's gaze. She had no intention of reuniting with her birth family.

Being abandoned long ago meant they either didn’t want her or couldn’t care for her.

With the Sinclair family offering her privilege and status, why should she seek out those who had discarded her?

Was blood truly thicker than water?

Having endured the harsh realities of the orphanage, Victoria understood the value of wealth and power. She had no interest in reconnecting with people who had once thrown her away.

With a strained smile, she said, "Finding my biological family won’t change anything about my engagement."

"You’re my family now. That’s why I want you all there with me when Nathaniel and I make it official."

Julian studied her with sharp scrutiny. "Victoria, you’ve already gotten what you wanted. I agreed to perform Eleanor’s surgery. Don’t push your luck."

"But Julian, I’m part of this family too. Is it really so much to ask that you attend my wedding?"

"Alexander was the one who brought you home. Frankly, I never approved of his decision, so I’ve never considered you my sister."

"And let’s not forget, Victoria, the years you’ve spent masquerading as the Sinclair heiress—you know exactly what you’ve done."

"I know exactly who you are, so I suggest you tread carefully."

Because Julian saw through Victoria’s facade, he chose to keep her identity—and Evelyn’s—hidden. He wouldn’t risk Victoria doing something reckless if she felt cornered.

With his words, the last flicker of hope in Victoria’s heart extinguished. Pretending was no longer an option.

Even as a child, Julian had seen right through her. She’d always kept her distance, afraid he might expose her.

Wiping away a stray tear, Victoria replied coolly, "Julian, Alexander promised me you’d all be there."

"If you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to tell Eleanor."

"You wouldn’t dare." His voice was ice.

"Julian, I don’t want to upset Eleanor after all her kindness. I just want my family beside me on my engagement day. Is that so unreasonable?"

With that, she turned and walked away, her expression darkening. She hadn’t expected Julian to be so blunt.

But it didn’t matter. Once she married Nathaniel, she’d never have to endure this humiliation again.

As Victoria left, Evelyn stepped out from around the corner. "Julian?" she called hesitantly.

Startled, Julian turned. "Evelyn? What are you doing here? Are you feeling unwell?"

"I came for a prenatal checkup and thought I’d visit you. I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation with Victoria."

His expression tensed. "You saw us?"

Evelyn nodded. "Julian, do you know Victoria well?"

To her, their exchange had seemed far from casual—almost as if they shared a complicated history.

Julian’s mind raced. "Victoria came to discuss Eleanor’s surgery. I’ll be leading the procedure."

"Oh, I see. With you in charge, I’m sure everything will go smoothly."

She knew the surgery was complex, requiring multiple specialists. She just hadn’t realized Julian was involved.

Relief washed over him when Evelyn accepted his explanation. He’d come dangerously close to slipping up.

For now, at least, the truth remained hidden.