Chapter 220

Olivia Sinclair awoke to the unsettling realization that she was no longer in familiar surroundings. Her wrists and ankles were tightly bound, the rough fibers of the rope digging into her skin. The blindfold that had obscured her vision was gone, but the dim interior of the car offered little comfort.

The driver was nowhere in sight, his muffled voice carrying from outside as he spoke to someone. The words were indistinct, swallowed by the hum of distant traffic.

Gritting her teeth, Olivia tested her restraints. Her muscles protested, weakened from whatever drug they had given her, but desperation fueled her movements. She twisted her wrists, wincing as the rope scraped against raw skin, but bit by bit, the knots loosened.

Finally, one hand slipped free.

She wasted no time untying the rest.

The moment her feet touched the pavement, a shout rang out.

"Stop right there!"

The driver lunged toward her, cursing under his breath.

Olivia didn't hesitate. She bolted, her legs shaky but determined. The highway stretched before her, cars speeding past in a blur of motion. Without thinking, she stepped into the road, arms raised.

Tires screeched. A sleek black sedan jerked to a halt mere inches from her.

The driver chasing her froze, panting, his expression torn between frustration and caution.

The car door swung open, and a woman emerged—graceful, poised, her white dress fluttering in the breeze.

Olivia's heart leapt. She gestured frantically, her hands trembling as she tried to convey her plight.

The woman's voice was like silk. "Are you all just going to stand there? Help her up."

Relief flooded Olivia as hands steadied her. The woman—Seraphina Kensington—smiled, her delicate features softening with warmth. Dimples appeared at the corners of her lips.

"Thank you," Olivia signed, her gratitude pouring out in silent motions.

Seraphina inclined her head, but then a violent cough wracked her frame. Her complexion paled, and her attendant rushed forward.

"Miss Kensington, you shouldn’t be out here. The wind is too harsh—"

"I'm fine," Seraphina interrupted, though her voice was strained. Her gaze lingered on Olivia, assessing.

Then, the driver from before stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Miss Kensington, my apologies. She was supposed to be sedated, but she’s... resourceful."

Olivia stiffened.

Seraphina Kensington.

The name sent a chill down her spine. This was the family the driver and Miranda Graves had mentioned.

Seraphina chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Well, she’s here now. Though I must say, she’s not quite what I expected."

The driver shrugged. "Abductions aren’t easy these days. She’s mute, but otherwise healthy. Except—" He hesitated. "She’s pregnant."

Olivia’s stomach twisted.

Seraphina arched a brow. "So you’re telling me that as the one paying, I don’t get to be selective?"

The driver blanched. "No, of course not! If there were better options—"

"Enough," Seraphina cut in, waving a hand. "I’ll take her for now. There’s still time."

The driver exhaled in relief and hurried away.

Seraphina turned back to Olivia, her expression unreadable. "You’re quite pretty," she mused. "What does your family do?"

Olivia pressed her lips together.

A sharp shove sent her stumbling. "Answer her!"

Seraphina’s smile didn’t waver, though her eyes hardened. "No need for roughness."

Olivia signed slowly, her hands steady despite the fear clawing at her. I have no family. I’m nobody.

Seraphina tilted her head. "That’s fine. All I need is for you to be healthy."

Olivia frowned. What did that mean?

Seraphina turned to her assistant. "We’re leaving for Westhaven immediately."

The assistant hesitated. "But Miss Kensington, your grandfather is still in Eldermere. Your mother insisted—"

"My health comes first," Seraphina snapped. Then, softer, "And do you really believe this woman has no connections? Let’s not invite trouble."

Olivia barely had time to process before she was ushered into another car.

Beside her, the assistant spoke briskly to the driver. "Take her to the hospital first. Full examination."

The sterile scent of antiseptic filled Olivia’s nose as doctors poked and prodded. Everything was normal, they said.

Except for the pregnancy.

She stood outside the consultation room, her breath catching as the assistant’s voice drifted through the door.

"Can the pregnancy be terminated?"

Olivia’s blood ran cold.