Chapter 365

The morning sun had barely risen when Nathan Blackwood received the urgent call about Julian Montgomery's car accident. Without hesitation, he dropped everything and raced to Kingsley Medical Center.

In the VIP ward, Julian lay motionless, his neck and back secured in braces. His secretary Yasmin carefully fed him sliced apples, the scene resembling a spoiled child being tended by his nanny.

Nathan's brows knitted together as he entered. "I thought the Montgomery Group just secured that new oilfield. You're acting like an invalid before even hitting thirty."

Yasmin discreetly stepped aside, nodding respectfully before leaving the two men alone.

"Damn it, Nate! Are you here to comfort me or insult me?" Julian winced as he tried to sit up, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "I wouldn't need help if I could move my damn arms!"

"Stay still," Nathan commanded, striding forward to push him back down with surprising gentleness despite his stern expression.

"If I end up paralyzed, will you push my wheelchair, Nate?" Julian asked with an exaggerated pout.

"You've got a harem of women for that," Nathan retorted dryly. "Even if only your mouth works, you're still the Montgomery heir. Gold-diggers will line up regardless."

Julian smirked. "True. My charm's irresistible."

"More like your bank account's irresistible," Nathan thought wryly.

"What exactly happened?" Nathan's voice turned serious.

"Ask Eleanor," Julian huffed, recalling the petite figure fleeing into the darkness. "This is all her fault. She should be the one stuck wheeling me around forever."

Nathan's expression darkened. "Explain. How is Eleanor involved?"

"Your sister sneaked into the gala last night. If I hadn't intervened, your incompetent security would've thrown her out onto the streets."

"Eleanor was there last night?" Nathan's shock was palpable. Now Julian's cryptic call about "getting his affairs in order" made sense.

"I was kind enough to dress her—"

"You dressed her?" Nathan's face paled, his hands clenching into fists.

"Not me! Yasmin handled it!" Julian backpedaled quickly, not wanting broken bones to add to his injuries. "I took her to see Isabella Laurent at the ballroom, but she freaked out and bolted like a spooked deer. I followed because it's dangerous at night. She nearly got hit by a truck crossing recklessly. I pushed her out of harm's way but smashed my back against the curb."

"Is Eleanor hurt?" Nathan's concern was immediate.

"Doubt it. I was in too much pain to chase after her. The little ingrate didn't even help me up!" Julian complained bitterly.

"I've warned you before—keep your distance from Eleanor." Nathan's voice turned icy. "What happened at Grandfather's birthday was an accident. She doesn't belong in your world. Control your inappropriate thoughts."

"Seriously? I risked my neck saving her, and this is the thanks I get?" Julian's neck brace made his indignant expression almost comical. "Why are you interrogating me instead of showing gratitude?"

"Why expose her to strangers? Why take her to that vipers' den?" Nathan countered sharply.

"What are you talking about?" Julian looked genuinely confused.

Nathan exhaled sharply. "Eleanor has severe social anxiety and autism spectrum disorder. Crowds and unfamiliar environments terrify her." His voice softened with protective concern, remembering his sister's timid nature.