Chapter 234

"Donovan, what brings you here? I wasn't expecting you. Just taking some time to myself." Seraphina's voice was light, but her sharp gaze swept over the servants like a blade.

She showed no intention of targeting Olivia. The young woman exhaled quietly in relief and melted further into the background.

Watching Olivia's cautious retreat, Donovan felt a pang of confusion. He'd come prepared to defend her, yet her submissive demeanor disappointed him. She seemed resigned to her fate.

Assuming Olivia lacked backbone, Donovan abandoned his protective impulse. He turned to Seraphina with cool detachment. "I came to discuss Grandfather's upcoming birthday. He's turning seventy, but with most relatives abroad, we've agreed on simplicity. You'll handle the arrangements while Grandfather and I search for our missing cousin."

Seraphina's eyes lit up at the chance to host such an event - the perfect opportunity to showcase her talents. Yet the thought of actual work made her hesitate. "Perhaps I shouldn't have come back," she murmured.

Noticing Donovan's darkening expression, she quickly corrected course. "But I understand. Finding our cousin takes priority. Leave the party to me."

Donovan's features softened slightly as he nodded. Rising to leave, he paused at the doorway. "Remember Grandfather's temper. No repeats of today's behavior. We're not in Westhaven anymore - break the law here, and even I can't protect you."

Seraphina scoffed. "Who would dare cross the Kensingtons?"

Donovan fixed her with a stern look. After a tense moment, Seraphina beckoned Olivia forward. "Come here, Olivia. Tell Donovan - did anyone mistreat you today?"

Olivia kept her eyes downcast, exhaustion evident in every line of her body. She shook her head silently.

Donovan frowned at her continued silence. How could she remain so passive after being wronged? But it wasn't his concern. He had greater priorities - not just locating their cousin, but also tracking down someone for Liam.

The fact that Liam hadn't even provided a photo, claiming it was "inconvenient," struck Donovan as suspicious. He'd never encountered such vague instructions before. It reeked of excuses.

Shaking off these thoughts, Donovan departed. The moment he left, the servant who'd tormented Olivia most viciously began complaining. "Miss Kensington, did you see how Olivia played the victim for Mr. Kensington? Running to him like some obedient dog when he called, completely ignoring your orders—"

Her words ended in a sharp cry as Seraphina's hand connected with her cheek. The servant collapsed to her knees, eyes wide with terror at her mistress's fury.