Chapter 253

Olivia's mother had always been stubborn to a fault. She'd severed ties with her parents over some long-buried family secret, refusing all attempts at reconciliation. This decades-old rift explained why no one from her mother's side had ever come looking for Olivia - which was precisely why Henry had begged Liam to keep this truth hidden.

Liam concluded it was better to wait and see if Olivia's maternal relatives would make the first move. Their complete silence over the years suggested they had no intention of welcoming her back.

What Liam didn't anticipate was that Alistair Kensington's family had actually been searching tirelessly for Olivia. Geographical barriers and limited local connections had thwarted their efforts until now.

Liam's decision to let Olivia stay with the Kensingtons had been temporary. Though they appeared welcoming, he suspected darker motives might be at play.

Donovan wasn't surprised by Liam's words. That first encounter with Olivia had sparked an inexplicable sense of recognition that lingered long after their meeting.

When their eyes met, Donovan was instantly transported back to childhood memories of his aunt, though they'd spent little time together. Alistair's visible excitement upon seeing Olivia only confirmed Donovan's growing certainty about their blood relation.

"Thank you, Liam," Donovan said with genuine appreciation before subtly creating distance between them.

Meanwhile, Seraphina's rage was a living thing, twisting her delicate features into something ugly. But she was powerless to act.

Donovan now held the family reins firmly in his grasp. Seraphina knew one wrong move could give him the excuse he needed to cast her out - a threat that haunted her every waking moment.

Just days ago, Seraphina might have seized the chance to leave with Olivia. But recent humiliations had changed everything. Publicly exposed and embarrassed by Olivia before the entire family, Seraphina found herself temporarily paralyzed - yet still clinging to desperate hope that some escape remained.

Alistair grew increasingly convinced Olivia was his long-lost granddaughter, appearing ready to follow her anywhere. Donovan's protective interest in Olivia only further complicated the family's intricate power dynamics.

Under the weight of numerous envious stares, Olivia felt utterly helpless. While she didn't fully agree with Donovan and Liam's decisions, she understood their strategic necessity. Now marked as Seraphina's enemy, Olivia recognized this difficult path as her only viable option.

As the party wound down and guests departed, the Kensingtons prepared to return to their separate lives. Olivia was leaving - this morning she'd hidden in a kitchen supply van just to get here. Desperate to avoid further attention, Seraphina reluctantly allowed Olivia to share her car.

The journey had been grueling for Olivia. Now she finally had a moment of comfort in the Kensington family car. Donovan assisted Olivia with unexpected gentleness that didn't escape Seraphina's notice, fueling her simmering jealousy.

Celeste Dumont, sensing Seraphina's dark mood, cautiously approached to open the car door. Instead of entering, Seraphina fixed her assistant with an icy, penetrating glare that promised consequences.