Chapter 241

Seraphina Kensington clenched her jaw, frustration radiating from every tense muscle in her body. Yet she could do nothing but watch as Donovan Kensington went to fetch Evelyn Hartley.

Donovan had undoubtedly shared every detail with Evelyn. The smug satisfaction on Evelyn's face was unmistakable, her confidence evident in every calculated step. She even threw Seraphina a triumphant glance that only deepened Seraphina's contempt.

It seemed Evelyn was more than willing to sever all ties with the Hartley family, eagerly abandoning them to curry favor with the Kensingtons. Donovan and Alistair would be fools to embrace Evelyn without seeing through her scheming nature.

Seraphina realized pleading would get her nowhere. As Donovan escorted Evelyn away, a sharp pang of distress gripped her chest. Her eyes glinted with icy determination.

Despite everything, Seraphina took comfort in knowing the gift she'd asked Olivia Sinclair to meticulously prepare would make an impact. She reassured herself that once her health was restored, she wouldn't need to fear people like Donovan and Evelyn anymore. This thought smoothed the tension from her expression.

Meanwhile, Olivia stirred awake, roused by muffled voices outside. Pregnancy had disrupted her sleep patterns, leaving her perpetually exhausted. Even with extended daytime rest, fatigue clung to her like a second skin. Thankfully, Seraphina had kept her promise, ensuring Olivia received proper prenatal care and nutrition.

Lately, Seraphina had been preoccupied with organizing Alistair's birthday celebration, leaving little attention for Olivia. Yet Olivia knew this calm was temporary. She couldn't decipher Seraphina's true intentions.

As Olivia's anxiety grew, the voices outside became clearer.

"Why waste time watching her? Let's just enjoy the party."

"But those are Miss Kensington's orders. If anything happens, we're responsible."

"What's there to worry about? Haven't you seen how cozy she is with Seraphina? She's living better than ever - why would she leave?"

The envy in their tone was palpable.

Hearing them describe her "fortunate" situation, Olivia nearly laughed at the irony. Her current comfort came at the price of future uncertainty. No one knew what dangers lay ahead.

The debate outside continued until, after much deliberation, they finally decided to leave, abandoning their watch over Olivia.

As their footsteps faded, Olivia's pulse quickened. Her chance to escape was finally within reach.

Meanwhile, Donovan led Evelyn to Alistair's private quarters. The elderly man sat at a grand piano, completely absorbed in his playing, his back to the newcomers. Music remained Alistair's sole passion these days.

Evelyn immediately began showering him with praise. "Is that your grandfather? His playing is magnificent. I once knew a professional pianist, but your grandfather's talent far surpasses his." Donovan couldn't help but smirk at her transparent flattery, his voice laced with frost. "That piece was composed by my grandfather specifically for his beloved daughter. Miss Hartley, I'm surprised you claim to have heard it elsewhere."

Realizing her blunder, Evelyn offered an awkward smile and fell silent. Just then, Alistair stopped playing. Only then did Donovan approach his grandfather with a warm smile. "Grandfather, this is Miss Hartley. Does she look familiar to you? Could she be the one you've been searching for?"