Chapter 233

Pushed beyond endurance and physically drained, Olivia's knees buckled beneath her. Just as darkness threatened to claim her consciousness, the door burst open with a sharp crack. A commanding male voice sliced through the tension, "Explain this disgraceful scene immediately!"

The crushing weight on Olivia's shoulders disappeared as she gasped for air, collapsing onto the marble floor in complete exhaustion. The household staff froze mid-action, their faces paling at Donovan Kensington's unexpected arrival with his entourage.

Upstairs, Seraphina slept undisturbed in her chambers. Everyone knew about the young mistress's fragile health and her notorious temper when awakened prematurely. The consequences were always severe.

There had been an incident in Westhaven when a clumsy maid dropped a silver tray during Seraphina's afternoon nap. The next morning, the girl disappeared from the estate - her arms broken, her future uncertain. The current servants exchanged terrified glances, none daring to risk their mistress's wrath.

Thinking quickly, the head maid yanked Olivia up with false cheer, addressing Donovan with forced brightness. "Mr. Kensington, Miss Kensington is resting. We were just... engaging in some harmless fun."

But Olivia's legs, numb from hours of kneeling, gave out again. This time, she deliberately pulled the head maid down with her, using the woman as a human cushion. Though slender, Olivia's pregnant form carried surprising weight as she landed squarely on the maid's midsection.

A pained shriek echoed through the hall - sweet revenge for earlier humiliations. The pinned maid opened her mouth to curse Olivia but snapped it shut under Donovan's withering glare.

With a derisive snort, Donovan observed, "Harmless fun? Do you take me for a fool?"

Olivia scrambled to her feet, retreating to the shadows with bowed head. She recognized Donovan from their brief hospital encounter - Seraphina's cousin and closest ally. If he shared his cousin's cruel tendencies, Olivia knew she'd be in even greater danger.

Donovan's piercing gaze swept over Olivia, studying her from head to toe. Her face seemed vaguely familiar, but it was her eyes - filled with quiet defiance despite her obvious suffering - that captured his attention. The sight of her swollen belly stirred an unexpected protectiveness within him. "Summon Seraphina. Now," he commanded.

Terror flashed across the servants' faces as they shuffled nervously, each hoping another would volunteer for the suicidal mission.

Finally, Olivia straightened her shoulders and marched toward Seraphina's chambers without hesitation. The moment she opened the door, the sounds of shattering porcelain and muffled slaps echoed through the corridor.

When Olivia reappeared moments later, her expression remained carefully blank. Behind her stormed a furious Seraphina - until she spotted Donovan waiting in the hall. Instantly, her features softened into an angelic mask, her eyelashes fluttering with practiced innocence.