Chapter 237

The assistant gave a quick nod. "Consider it done."

Just as the assistant turned to leave, a sudden realization made him hesitate. "Miss Kensington has invited Liam from the Blackwood family. Should I arrange a private meeting for you? I'm concerned about how Miss Kensington might receive him."

"Seraphina actually invited Liam?" Donovan felt his stomach drop. His voice tightened as he asked, "Did she include Evelyn in the invitation?"

"No, she didn't." The assistant shook his head.

Everything clicked into place for Donovan. Inviting Liam alone spoke volumes. He should have recognized the pattern - every time Liam visited the Kensington estate, Seraphina became unusually animated.

Donovan had previously warned his cousin about Liam's obvious preference for Evelyn, making her pursuit futile. His sources confirmed Liam remained cold toward Seraphina.

Under normal circumstances, Donovan would have expected Seraphina to move on. Yet here she was, pushing boundaries further than ever before.

"Double the surveillance team," Donovan ordered, rubbing his temples. "I want immediate reports of any incidents."

Meanwhile, Seraphina was putting the finishing touches on her appearance after confirming all her guests would attend.

With her usual glam squad overseas, she'd hastily assembled the best local stylists money could buy. Her custom couture gown had been flown in specially for the occasion. The final result was breathtaking.

Chin lifted regally, Seraphina made her grand entrance, the train of her dress flowing behind her. She descended the grand staircase with practiced grace, savoring the admiring whispers.

While not classically beautiful, Seraphina carried herself with the unmistakable poise of old money. Her every movement reflected generations of elite breeding and exclusive education. Even those unfamiliar with the Kensington name recognized her aristocratic bearing instantly.

A crowd immediately formed around her, offering fawning compliments. Seraphina accepted their admiration with practiced charm, her smile never wavering.

Then a servant approached discreetly. "Miss, Mr. Blackwood has arrived."

Seraphina's pulse quickened. She was about to call out to Liam when she noticed the woman at his side.

To her shock, it was Evelyn - the one person she'd deliberately excluded from the guest list.

Seraphina's smile turned brittle. She shot a venomous look at the servant, who stammered, "We only sent one invitation, miss. I don't know how she got in."

Seraphina's nails dug into her palms. There stood Evelyn beside Liam, radiating confidence. She held a small plate, offering Liam what appeared to be hors d'oeuvres. Liam remained impassive, his gaze fixed ahead, yet he allowed Evelyn closer than anyone else.

The intimate scene made Seraphina's blood boil. Gathering her skirts, she marched toward them with determined steps. Hearing her approach, Evelyn looked up, meeting Seraphina's glare with calm amusement.

The air between them crackled with tension.

Neither woman blinked.

The crowd around them fell silent, sensing the impending storm.