Chapter 245

Seraphina Kensington dramatically rubbed her arm, her voice dripping with exaggerated pain. "See? She attacked me first! I was just defending myself. You have to be fair about this!"

Evelyn Hartley shot Seraphina a venomous glare, her eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. The audacity of this woman, batting her eyelashes at Donovan as if she already belonged to the Kensington family!

Donovan's voice rumbled like distant thunder. "That doesn't excuse your actions, Seraphina. You're confined to your room until further notice. Use this time to reflect on your behavior."

Tears shimmered in Seraphina's eyes as her voice cracked with emotion. "This is so unfair! She provoked me first. Who does she think she is, mocking me like that? Donovan, we're family! Are you really going to let this outsider humiliate me?"

Massaging his temples, Donovan felt the beginnings of a migraine. He knew his cousin too well - unless Evelyn suffered consequences for her taunts, Seraphina would escalate this situation beyond repair. While family embarrassment was one thing, if Alistair's fragile memory suffered another shock...

The problem remained - Donovan still couldn't confirm whether Evelyn was actually his long-lost relative. He was trapped in an impossible position.

At that moment, Liam Blackwood approached, positioning himself protectively in front of Evelyn. Seraphina's face flushed crimson with barely contained rage at the sight.

Evelyn, meanwhile, painted on her sweetest smile. "Liam, I knew you'd protect me from this bully."

Ignoring Evelyn completely, Liam fixed his icy gaze on Seraphina. "Miss Kensington, instead of harassing Evelyn, perhaps you should track down whoever sabotaged your gift. They're the real villain here - the one who owes explanations to both you and your grandfather."

Cornered, Seraphina snapped, "I made it myself, alright? I messed up. End of story." Even she recognized how flimsy this excuse sounded.

Donovan's displeasure was evident. "Seraphina, even if you commissioned someone, everyone knows your intentions were good. Now that your surprise is ruined, shouldn't you hold the responsible party accountable?"

"I told you, I made this gift!" Seraphina's voice rose sharply, edged with desperation.

Beneath her fury, a thread of rationality remained. Olivia Sinclair couldn't be exposed - not yet. If anyone recognized Olivia, everything would collapse. For now, Olivia had to stay hidden.

Seraphina's eyes darkened with cold vengeance. She'd make Olivia pay for this humiliation - but later. Much later. Her lips twisted in a silent snarl, rage coiling inside her like a serpent ready to strike.

Suddenly, Donovan had a startling realization. The person he'd been searching for might have crafted this very object. His thoughtful gaze shifted to Liam.

In a flash, Liam seized Seraphina's wrist. She gasped at the unexpected contact, meeting eyes as cold as winter steel.

"Who really made this?" Liam demanded, his voice laced with quiet menace.

A tremor of fear ran through Seraphina. There was no mistaking the threat in Liam's tone. "Mr. Blackwood," she stammered, "I already told you - I made it. Why won't you believe me?"