Chapter 236

To ease Seraphina's lingering suspicions, Donovan added with deliberate casualness, "Didn't I mention we should thoroughly vet everyone in this household? I don't mean to accuse, but perhaps it's best to remove her immediately."

Her defenses softening, Seraphina responded with practiced warmth, "She's had such a difficult past - a true survivor of the streets. Under my care, she's turning her life around. Surely she deserves another chance? Whatever she took from you, I'll personally reimburse."

"Forget about it," Donovan muttered through clenched teeth. "Just ensure I never have to lay eyes on her again. The very sight of her makes my blood boil."

Maintaining her serene smile, Seraphina watched Donovan storm from her chambers. The moment the door clicked shut, his shoulders slumped with exhaustion. What game was his cousin playing? He prayed his darkest suspicions were unfounded, yet the situation grew more tangled by the hour.

Winston, his trusted butler, furrowed his brow. "Why not simply take the girl by force? Lady Kensington may scheme, but she still fears your authority."

Donovan gave a bitter chuckle. "With her fragile heart condition? Direct confrontation could be deadly. We must tread carefully. Still, our little test proved revealing - the moment you questioned her, she hid that girl away. Imagine what lengths she might go to if pressed further. At least now we know where our quarry is hidden."

Alistair's birthday celebration arrived with alarming swiftness. Olivia had completed her intricate gift the previous evening, presenting it to Seraphina for approval.

"Exquisite craftsmanship," Seraphina purred, tracing the delicate filigree. "Such refined skill suggests extensive training. Your connection with Gregory must run quite... deep." Though her words dripped honey, her piercing gaze held darker implications as she studied Olivia's reaction.

Olivia's fingers flew across her phone screen in explanation. "I only studied under Gregory briefly. He likely doesn't recall my existence."

"Is that so?" Seraphina arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow before turning away, leaving the unspoken question hanging in the air.

Preparations for Alistair's gala consumed Seraphina's attention. After final adjustments to her appearance, she swept into Crestwood's most luxurious hotel - a venue she'd secured in its entirety. Even Henry Winslow's legendary birthday celebration years prior had only warranted the penthouse floors.

Donovan believed a modest, intimate gathering would have been more appropriate. News of Seraphina's extravagance left him speechless with rage.

His assistant leaned in discreetly. "Lady Kensington has invited every notable family in Crestwood, including those with no prior connection to our household. This feels less like Master Alistair's celebration and more like her personal debut."

Donovan ground his molars. "If my schedule weren't overflowing, I'd never have allowed this farce. But the invitations are dispatched - we're committed now." He massaged his temples. "While the Kensington name carries weight abroad, our local connections remain tenuous. One misstep could offend powerful allies."

The assistant offered empty reassurance. "None would dare cross the Kensington family, sir."

Donovan's sigh carried the weight of generations. "You see only our gilded surface. The reality is far more precarious. Ensure our staff avoids conflict with the Blackwoods, and if opportunity arises, cultivate ties with the Whitmores."

His eyes hardened. "Seraphina's spectacle will undoubtedly create chaos... chaos we can exploit to locate our missing person."

A calculated smile played across his lips as the first carriages arrived, their polished wheels glinting in the afternoon sun. The game was afoot.