Chapter 319
Evelyn watched with quiet satisfaction as Julian confronted Victoria in the hospital corridor.
Victoria's perfectly manicured fingers tightened around her designer handbag. She hadn't expected Julian to be so brutally direct.
Was he still holding a grudge over Nathaniel canceling their engagement all those years ago?
What would happen next? Would the Montgomery family ever approve of her marrying into the Whitmore dynasty?
Julian shot Nathaniel an icy glare before turning to Evelyn. "The procedure today will take several hours."
"I recommend family members wait outside until we establish a proper rotation. You can take turns staying with Mrs. Whitmore Senior."
Evelyn understood Julian's unspoken concern for her wellbeing beneath his professional tone.
She had anticipated the lengthy surgery duration. Having secured special leave from university, she was prepared to stay the entire day.
Julian disappeared through the swinging doors moments later.
The Whitmore entourage followed, taking the private elevator reserved for VIP patients toward the operating theater.
At the elevator bank, they found Victoria waiting like a discarded ornament.
Beatrice feigned surprise. "Ms. Sinclair, what an unexpected... pleasure."
Victoria forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I wanted to pay my respects to Mrs. Whitmore on her surgery day."
"But apparently," she added with a brittle laugh, "the elevator attendants consider me... what was the term? 'Unauthorized personnel.'"
The humiliation burned Victoria's cheeks. Earlier, she'd watched Evelyn stroll past security without so much as a second glance.
Beatrice's smile turned rigid. "My apologies, dear. I'll have words with security. You're practically family."
Victoria turned to Penelope with wounded eyes. "I've been calling and texting you for hours."
Penelope produced a well-rehearsed gasp. "I silenced my phone for the surgery! How thoughtless of me."
The two women exchanged a fleeting glance. They both knew Nathaniel had instituted the security protocols, and neither dared countermand his orders.
To save face, Beatrice had instructed Penelope to ignore Victoria's messages - a fact they'd never admit.
Hearing their excuses, Victoria's posture relaxed slightly. She needed to reclaim some dignity, especially in Evelyn's presence.
Turning to Nathaniel with practiced concern, Victoria purred, "Don't worry, darling. With Julian operating, everything will be perfect."
She emphasized Julian's name, ensuring Nathaniel remembered exactly who was granting this favor.
Beatrice jumped in. "Of course! We have complete faith in your brother's skill."
Victoria smirked, deliberately catching Evelyn's eye. However this played out, the Montgomerys had made Eleanor's surgery possible.
Evelyn remained impassive, well acquainted with Victoria's petty theatrics. She'd endure any provocation if it meant Eleanor received proper care.
Nathaniel's voice cut through the tension like winter wind. "Leave."
Victoria recoiled as if struck. After everything, these were his first words to her?
Had he forgotten who was performing his grandmother's life-saving surgery?