Chapter 248

Nathaniel's expression was like ice, his piercing gaze locked onto Victoria. "You know exactly what you did, Victoria. For Julian's sake, I'll let it go this time."

Without another word, he turned sharply and strode away.

Victoria refused to let it end like this. She hurried after him, her voice trembling. "Nathaniel, I don’t understand what you mean. I didn’t manipulate anything!"

"I only asked Julian to perform the surgery for Eleanor. There’s nothing wrong with that!"

Nathaniel halted abruptly, his eyes turning glacial. "Julian told me otherwise," he countered.

Victoria froze, panic surging through her. What did Nathaniel mean by that?

Had Julian revealed that his decision to operate wasn’t influenced by her?

That would explain why the main hall had been empty when she returned after changing.

Had Nathaniel and Julian spoken during that time?

Victoria couldn’t piece it together. If Julian hadn’t agreed because of her, then why had he taken the case?

It made no sense!

Beatrice rushed over, her face lined with concern. "Victoria, I’m so sorry. I’ll speak to Nathaniel when we get home. Please don’t worry—this engagement means everything to me."

Victoria forced a smile. "Mrs. Whitmore, I’ll go change first."

As much as she wanted to marry Nathaniel, being publicly rejected stung. She was, after all, the heiress of the Sinclair family.

Still, a flicker of relief passed through her.

Alexander had mentioned that if she married Nathaniel, she’d have to sign papers severing her adoption ties.

With the engagement called off, perhaps she could delay that fate a little longer.

A shadow crossed Victoria’s eyes. She would get to the bottom of this.

Everything had seemed perfect—until this sudden twist.

Evelyn glanced at Jonathan, her voice quiet. "Jonathan, let’s go."

"Evelyn, are you okay? I was really worried about you earlier."

"I’m fine," she said, forcing a smile. "But it looks like this design order is ruined. I’ll cover the losses."

"Evelyn, don’t say that. Our studio is a team. We handle setbacks together—we won’t let you take the fall alone."

Jonathan glanced back at the unfolding scene. "But are we leaving now? Won’t the engagement continue?"

"Whether it does or not isn’t our concern. Jonathan, there’s something I haven’t told you."

Evelyn took a deep breath. "Ms. Sinclair and I have history. She deliberately chose me to design this event."

Jonathan’s suspicions were confirmed. Evelyn had to be connected to the Sinclairs. Otherwise, how could she clash with Victoria and walk away unharmed?

He smiled gently. "I had a feeling, but I didn’t press since you didn’t seem ready to talk."

"No worries. If you want to leave, I’ll have everyone pack up."

"I’m so sorry, Jonathan."

As Evelyn helped dismantle the setup, a heavy sadness settled over her.

This was her fault. The studio was paying the price.

While organizing supplies, a sharp pain shot through her ankle. She stumbled—

"Evelyn!"

"Watch out!"

Two men lunged toward her at once—