Chapter 231

"Wait just a moment," Seraphina said, her lips curling into a deceptively sweet smile. It was the same practiced expression she'd worn when they first met. With her angelic features and cascading golden locks, Seraphina Kensington looked every bit the picture of innocence. The delicate bangs framing her face only enhanced her cherubic appearance.

Such beauty could deceive anyone at first glance.

But Olivia Sinclair knew better. That saccharine smile always preceded trouble - dark, twisted trouble that slithered in like a poisonous fog. A cold dread coiled in Olivia's stomach, tightening with each passing second.

"You know," Seraphina purred, reaching out with perfectly manicured fingers, "I never noticed before, but you're actually quite lovely." Her cold fingertips grazed Olivia's cheek.

Olivia suppressed a shudder. The touch felt like a viper's caress, sending icy tendrils down her spine.

She hadn't bothered with cosmetics lately. While her features weren't conventionally perfect, there was an arresting quality to her bone structure - especially those large, expressive eyes. Olivia's gaze could melt hearts with its softness, but right now, only glacial hardness reflected back at Seraphina.

Seraphina clicked her tongue in annoyance. That familiar glint in Olivia's eyes unsettled her more than she cared to admit.

Forcing concern into her voice, Seraphina continued, "Pregnancy really does take its toll, doesn't it? You've lost that spark in your eyes." She gestured dramatically. "But fortune smiles upon you! My special tonics just arrived today. Consider this my gift to you."

One of Seraphina's sycophants immediately chimed in, "These are made with the rarest ingredients! You should be groveling with gratitude!"

Olivia's stomach churned. This was bad. Her fingers trembled as she typed on her phone: "Thank you for your generosity, Miss Kensington, but I've already taken my prescribed medication. Mixing treatments could be dangerous. I wouldn't want your kindness to have unintended consequences."

Seraphina's smile turned razor-sharp. "For a mute little mouse, you certainly know how to sweet-talk. Listen carefully - you'll take this medicine, or I'll take it as a personal insult."

With a snap of her fingers, a maid scurried in bearing an ornate jar. The moment the lid was removed, a pungent medicinal stench filled the room.

Morning sickness had already left Olivia's stomach in knots. Now, the overpowering odor made her insides twist violently.

Olivia knew Seraphina wouldn't dare outright poison her - but God only knew what concoction this was. Drinking it could have disastrous consequences.

Swallowing her pride, Olivia dropped to her knees. Her fingers flew across the screen: "Miss Kensington, whatever offense I've caused, I sincerely apologize. Please reconsider - I must finish your grandfather's birthday gift. I beg you not to force this upon me."

Seraphina studied Olivia in silence before letting out a derisive laugh. "Fine, forget it then."

Relief flooded Olivia's veins - until she saw the malicious glint in Seraphina's eyes. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.