Chapter 248

Seraphina released Olivia and moved to Alistair's side. Olivia attempted to leave, but an imposing figure blocked her path. The realization struck her - this was a Kensington family gathering, and departure required their explicit consent.

"Donovan," Seraphina whispered urgently, pressing close to her cousin. "I'll confess everything, but we must take her away immediately."

Alistair's voice turned glacial. "Have you lost your mind? Do you comprehend who stands before us?"

Seraphina interrupted with desperation lacing her words. "Her identity means nothing now! Even if she's royalty, we must act. If her protectors discover my actions, they'll crucify me. The Kensington name will be tarnished forever. Grandfather's health is already failing - this scandal could be fatal!"

Donovan's expression hardened like tempered steel. "I won't be complicit in your schemes, Seraphina. The woman remains here, under my protection."

A venomous smile curled Seraphina's lips as malice danced in her eyes. "As you wish, cousin. I'll bear the consequences of my mistakes alone."

In truth, Seraphina had already set her plan in motion. The moment Olivia was escorted from the ballroom, the hired mercenaries waiting outside would ensure the problem disappeared permanently. Olivia's death was necessary to preserve Seraphina's reputation.

Once silenced forever, Seraphina intended to flee to Westhaven. By the time Donovan uncovered the truth, it would be far too late for reparations.

Just as Seraphina basked in her imagined triumph, the impossible occurred. With a violent shove, Sebastian sent her sprawling across the marble floor as he emerged from behind the decorative screen.

Donovan's pulse accelerated at Sebastian's sudden appearance. He discreetly motioned for nearby guards to intercept the elderly man, fearing another episode.

Defying expectations, Sebastian bulldozed through all obstacles with terrifying intensity. "Out of my way!" he roared, his voice carrying the authority of the former Kensington patriarch.

The atmosphere crackled with tension. Nearby guests visibly trembled, perspiration beading on their foreheads under Sebastian's commanding presence.

Olivia's despair deepened, though a spark of defiance remained. Was escape truly impossible? Yet surrender wasn't in her nature.

Sebastian loomed over Olivia, his shadow enveloping her. When their eyes met, recognition flashed across Olivia's face. This distinguished gentleman - wasn't he the confused elderly man from Isabelle's birthday celebration? Her breath caught in surprise.

Today, Sebastian carried himself with regal dignity, his hearing noticeably improved. From the hushed whispers around them, Olivia pieced together his identity - the former Kensington family head, Sebastian Kensington.

As their gazes locked, Sebastian suddenly dropped to his knees and embraced Olivia with shocking strength. Tears streamed down his weathered cheeks as he repeated a name that meant nothing to most present. "Vivienne! Vivienne! You've come back to me!"

Baffled murmurs rippled through the crowd, though Donovan and Seraphina recognized the significance immediately. Vivienne Kensington - their long-lost aunt who had severed ties with the family decades ago, taking her child with her.

Seraphina's teeth sank into her lower lip. Could her grandfather truly believe Olivia was his missing granddaughter?

This dangerous delusion couldn't be allowed to continue. "Donovan," Seraphina hissed, "Grandfather's having another episode. Have him removed immediately while I deal with Olivia. We can't become the laughingstock of high society."