Chapter 223

The fleeting kindness in Seraphina's eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared. Their vehicle had barely cleared the hospital's underground parking when two sleek black sedans cut them off.

Seraphina's breath hitched. The men stepping out wore the unmistakable Kensington insignia on their lapels - Donovan's personal security detail.

After a tense exchange, their driver turned with an apologetic grimace. "Miss Kensington, Mr. Donovan insists on speaking with you immediately. He requests your presence in his vehicle."

Seraphina's fingers twitched toward Olivia Sinclair beside her. "Tell them I'm unwell," she said icily. "I need to return home."

The driver relayed her refusal, but one bodyguard marched forward and rapped sharply on their window.

Jaw clenched, Seraphina lowered the glass. "Was I unclear?"

"Mr. Donovan is most concerned for your safety," the guard said smoothly. "With recent... developments, he insists you stay at the family estate where we can properly protect you."

A muscle jumped in Seraphina's cheek. Since when had Donovan cared about her wellbeing? Their once-close cousinly bond had frayed to near nonexistence over the years.

Her gaze flickered to Olivia. Exposure now would ruin everything. "It's hardly proper for unmarried relatives to cohabitate," she demurred. "I appreciate the concern, but-"

"Mr. Donovan anticipated your hesitation," the guard interrupted. "The west wing has been prepared with a full medical team, including specialists transferred from Westhaven. Given his extended stay to locate your missing cousin..." He let the implication hang.

Seraphina's nails bit into her palms. The trap snapped shut with mathematical precision. Any further protest would only raise suspicions.

"Very well," she conceded through gritted teeth. "Lead the way."

The moment the guards turned, Seraphina whipped out her phone. "You incompetent fool!" she hissed at her assistant. "Donovan spotted Olivia at the hospital! If he uncovers our plans-"

Her throat closed around the unspoken threat. The Kensington fortune hung in precarious balance. Grandfather Alistair's clear favoritism toward Donovan was no secret, and her brother's recent... missteps had left their branch vulnerable.

Olivia watched the exchange with dawning comprehension. Though she couldn't decipher the words, the tension crackling between them was unmistakable. Someone had interfered with Seraphina's plans - someone powerful enough to make the haughty heiress comply.

"Shall I relocate the mute, Miss Kensington?" the driver ventured.

Seraphina's laugh was razor-edged. "And confirm his suspicions? No. She remains with me as my... charitable project." She turned predatory eyes on Olivia. "Remember, disobedience will cost more than your life. That precious burden you carry? It hangs by my mercy alone."

Olivia nodded mutely, her mind racing. This unexpected protector - this Donovan - might just be her salvation.

Meanwhile at the Kensington estate, Donovan was informed of an urgent visitor - Liam Blackwood, the man he'd briefly encountered at Mercy Hospital.

Though their acquaintance was superficial, their single meeting at a charity gala had left an impression. Intrigued despite himself, Donovan ordered, "Show him to the study in ten minutes."

He found Liam examining his bookshelves with unusual intensity.

"Find anything of interest, Mr. Blackwood?" Donovan inquired.

Liam started, as if surfacing from deep thought. "Not my usual taste," he admitted. "But a... friend of mine enjoys this genre."

The hesitation before "friend" didn't escape Donovan's notice. Nor did the way Liam's fingers lingered on a particular volume - one Donovan knew well.

It was Olivia Sinclair's favorite.