Chapter 97

Julian Montgomery's brow furrowed as he surveyed the bedroom. Without another glance, he strode to the balcony to answer his phone.

The moment the call connected, his voice was sharp. "If this is about the Whitmore family, save your breath."

"Julian!" Victoria Sinclair's voice trembled with desperation. "I love Nathaniel. I want to marry him."

Julian scoffed. "Nathaniel is already married. Do you really want to be the other woman in his relationship with Evelyn?"

"Julian, I told you—he’s going to divorce her. Their marriage was never about love. She’s just some nobody from the slums. She doesn’t belong in the Whitmore family!"

A muscle in Julian’s jaw twitched. "Funny. Weren’t you adopted from an orphanage too?"

Victoria’s face drained of color. "That’s different. I’m legally a Montgomery now. Julian, you’ve always taken care of me. Just help me this once."

Rubbing his temples, Julian exhaled sharply. "I’ll help you with anything—except this. Stay away from the Whitmores."

He couldn’t forgive them for what they’d done to Evelyn. If Victoria married into that family, the constant interactions would only give them more chances to belittle her. And he wouldn’t allow that.

Not now that he knew the truth.

Besides, what was so special about Nathaniel? The man was already married.

Without waiting for another plea, Julian ended the call.

—

On the other end, Victoria’s grip on her phone turned white-knuckled.

How dare Julian compare her to Evelyn?

Fury burned through her. She hurled a vase against the wall, shattering it into pieces. Only when the room was in ruins did her breathing steady.

Her assistant hesitated before speaking. "If Mr. Montgomery refuses to perform the surgery… what will you tell Mr. Whitmore?"

Victoria’s lips curled into a cold smile. "Nathaniel won’t find out. I’ll make Julian agree—one way or another. If I have to, I’ll bring Eleanor into this. He won’t say no to her."

But Eleanor was her last resort. She couldn’t risk her brothers seeing through her manipulations. Not when she’d spent years crafting the perfect image.

Her phone buzzed again.

The assistant glanced at the screen. "It’s Mrs. Whitmore."

Victoria’s demeanor shifted instantly. "Hello, Mrs. Whitmore," she cooed.

"Victoria, darling! I’ve booked appointments at the finest bridal boutiques. We must find you the perfect gown for your engagement to Nathaniel!"

"Of course, Mrs. Whitmore. I’ll be there soon."

The moment the call ended, Victoria’s mask slipped.

She would see this through—no matter what.

Julian would agree.

He had to.

—

Meanwhile, Evelyn Carter received her university’s notice to return for the new semester. She packed her belongings, ready to move out.

Cassandra Blake smirked. "You’re an award-winning designer. Half the industry wants to hire you. Why go back to school?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Education matters."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "By the time you graduate, those offers might be gone—especially if our studio expands."