Chapter 222

Tyrone gave a slow nod, considering Donovan's proposal carefully. "You know Donovan's resources well. Since he's arranged for a specialist to examine you, you should stay and consult the doctor. Your health comes first."

Seraphina's lips tightened almost imperceptibly before she forced a polite smile. "If scheduling becomes an issue, let's not trouble ourselves. No matter how many physicians I see, my condition never improves. I'd prefer returning to Westhaven."

Donovan studied her with an unreadable expression. "You seem displeased with me. Very well, forget I mentioned it."

Trapped by his words, Seraphina had no choice but to relent. She bit her lip briefly before murmuring, "But I do wish to see the doctor. Thank you for arranging this, Donovan."

He acknowledged her with a curt nod, then flicked a glance toward the door—a silent command for her to leave.

Yet Seraphina ignored the hint. Instead, she moved behind Tyrone and began kneading his shoulders gently. "Grandfather, I heard rumors that my cousin might be found soon. Is it true? What does she look like? I’ve never even seen a photo of her—or her mother. I can’t even imagine her face."

Tyrone’s smile vanished, his gaze turning distant. "I don’t know what she looks like either."

Seeing the distress flicker across the old man’s face, Donovan intervened swiftly. "Grandfather, don’t worry. I’ve already sent word to the Hartley family. Once Evelyn arrives, you can see for yourself if she’s the one we’ve been searching for."

"Hartley family? Evelyn?" Seraphina paused, feigning realization. "Evelyn is our missing cousin? That would be wonderful news."

Donovan caught the subtle provocation in her tone, and irritation edged his voice. "It’s not confirmed yet. This isn’t something you need to concern yourself with."

Seraphina’s eyes shimmered with wounded pride. "Why? Just because my health has kept me from family affairs doesn’t mean I shouldn’t ask. Are you angry with me?"

Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over her pale cheeks. The flush of distress made her delicate features appear even more fragile, rendering any reprimand impossible.

Donovan suppressed a sigh. He knew Seraphina’s congenital heart condition made her untouchable—no one dared upset her, not even him.

Though she had long outgrown the innocence of childhood, to Donovan, she remained his cousin.

His tone softened. "I didn’t mean it like that. Nothing’s confirmed yet. I plan to bring Evelyn to the hospital for Grandfather to meet. If he recognizes her, we’ll proceed with a DNA test. After all, he’s the only one who ever saw my aunt and cousin."

Seraphina dabbed at her tears and nodded meekly. "I understand."

Beneath her compliant façade, resentment simmered. How could someone missing for decades still claim a place in the Kensington family—especially when she didn’t even share their name?

She couldn’t fathom why her grandfather, in his twilight years, was so fixated on finding this lost granddaughter—even suggesting she inherit half the family fortune.

Worse, Donovan seemed indifferent to the idea.

A cold dread coiled in her chest. Her fragile health had always secured her the undivided attention of the family. The thought of sharing that love with an outsider was unbearable.

Having gathered enough, Seraphina excused herself.

As she stepped into the hallway, she nearly collided with a man.

He reacted instantly, gripping her arm to steady her.

Seraphina looked up—and froze.

The man had a razor-sharp jawline, dark eyes that cut like obsidian, and an imposing stature that left her pulse erratic. Though she’d seen handsome men before, none had ever affected her like this.

Yet his expression remained icy, devoid of warmth.

Once she regained her balance, he released her immediately and stepped back, his lips pressed into a thin line of disinterest.

Nearby, Sebastian offered an apologetic smile. "Apologies, miss. Mr. Blackwood is in a hurry. Are you all right?"

Seraphina ignored him, her gaze locked on Liam.

"Mr. Blackwood? Of the Blackwood family?" Her voice dripped with quiet disdain as she assessed him, her pretty face twisting with barely concealed arrogance.

Sebastian tensed, recognizing the unspoken privilege in her tone.

Before the tension could escalate, Donovan emerged from Tyrone’s room and shot Seraphina a warning look. "Seraphina, this is a guest. If you’re done, return to your room."

Reluctantly, she stepped aside, allowing Liam to pass.

As he walked away, she couldn’t resist stealing another glance—but he never looked back.

A storm of emotions darkened her eyes.

Right now, she had a more pressing problem: Olivia.

If Olivia remained in Eldermere, complications would arise.

But letting her leave for Westhaven wasn’t an option—not when Seraphina needed her under watch. She’d have to find someone trustworthy to keep Olivia contained.

Meanwhile, as Olivia was escorted out by Seraphina’s men, she spotted familiar cars in the hospital garage.

One glance, and she knew—they belonged to Liam.

Her heart pounded. She wanted to slip free, to run to those cars and beg for help.

But with so many eyes on her, it was impossible.

For the first time, she realized Seraphina’s gentle exterior hid something far more dangerous. One wrong move, and the consequences would be dire.

Clenching her fists, Olivia walked past Liam’s cars without a glance.

As she slid into the waiting vehicle, Seraphina’s sweet voice confirmed her fears. "I thought you might try to escape. Good thing you didn’t. If you’d run to those people in the garage, I’d have dragged you back and broken your legs."

A chill slithered down Olivia’s spine despite the daylight. She swallowed hard, grateful she hadn’t acted impulsively.

Seraphina smiled brightly. "Behave, and you’ll stay unharmed. Remember—I saved you from traffickers. Don’t even think of running. It’s impossible. Understood?"

Olivia picked up the phone Seraphina had given her and typed:

"Spare me and my child, and I’ll obey."