Chapter 255

Olivia remained guarded despite Donovan's kindness, her trust not easily given in her fragile condition. As he escorted her inside, Donovan made certain Olivia was comfortably settled in her quarters, assigning both a personal chef and attendants to see to her needs.

His eyes kept drifting to Olivia's swollen belly during their conversation, his unspoken thoughts hanging heavy between them. Sharp as ever, Olivia could practically hear the pity in his gaze. She knew what people whispered - how her husband had abandoned her while she carried his child, leaving her future uncertain.

Noticing his discomfort, Donovan finally looked away, his posture turning awkward.

Olivia wasn't offended. With calm fingers, she typed out a message on her phone. "Don't worry. I'm accustomed to those looks by now. You're hardly the first."

Her words only deepened Donovan's guilt. His voice softened. "Please consider this your home. Ask for anything you need. And... perhaps visit Alistair occasionally? You're his granddaughter, and he's quite fond of you."

Olivia studied the hopeful glimmer in his eyes before responding carefully. "I doubt I'm who you're searching for, but I appreciate today's kindness. I'll visit Alistair when possible. May you find your cousin soon."

Donovan shook his head gently. "You already know the truth between us. I understand if you can't forgive our family's failures. But Alistair isn't getting younger, and your presence would mean everything. He bears no blame for past wrongs."

His words struck a chord. Though part of her recognized their connection, admitting it aloud felt impossible. Her mother's dying wishes echoed in her mind - the reluctance to return to the Kensington estate that Olivia now shared.

She knew her presence here unsettled certain family members. Yet circumstances left her no choice but to temporarily reside in the grand Kensington manor.

After ensuring Olivia's comfort with meticulous arrangements, Donovan turned to leave, issuing instructions to the butler.

First, he ordered Seraphina's immediate return to Westhaven, eliminating any chance she might harm Olivia again. Then he doubled Olivia's security detail, determined to protect her.

A sudden scream shattered the manor's tranquility, interrupting Donovan's plans for Olivia's peaceful stay.

Frowning, Donovan rushed toward the commotion. Servants had frozen in place, staring at the gates where Celeste, Seraphina's assistant, stood with bloodied knees, barely able to stand.

The whispering servants fell silent at Donovan's approach. Taking in Celeste's gruesome state, his frown deepened. "Have you lost your mind?" he demanded.

Despite her pain, Celeste managed to speak through clenched teeth. "Mr. Kensington, this is all my fault! Please don't blame Miss Kensington. She's ill and needs a transplant desperately."

"The scheme to find a donor through... unsavory means was my idea alone. Miss Kensington merely took pity on Olivia. She never approved my actions. I only wanted to help her!"

Donovan's expression turned glacial. "Do you comprehend the full consequences of taking responsibility for Seraphina? Shall I remind you?" he snapped.

Celeste trembled slightly. She knew exactly what awaited her as the scapegoat - Seraphina had made certain of that through this public humiliation.

Before Donovan could continue, Seraphina interrupted with feigned urgency, stomping her foot for attention. "Donovan! Even if Celeste acted wrongly, it was for my sake. None of you care about my condition as she does!"

Donovan's sharp gaze caught the fleeting smugness in Seraphina's eyes. "Celeste committed a grave offense. As head of this family, I must address it properly," he stated coldly.

Unable to counter his logic, Seraphina dramatically knelt beside Celeste. "You can't punish her! She's been with me since childhood. If you punish her, punish me too!"

The absurdity made Donovan laugh despite the tension.

His resolve remained firm. "I never intended to let you escape consequences. You're confined to your rooms until your departure for Westhaven."

A subtle shift crossed Seraphina's face before she clutched her chest dramatically, feigning collapse.

Ever loyal, Celeste sprang to support the act. "Mr. Kensington, reconsider! Miss Kensington is innocent! With her heart condition, anything could happen during travel. You'd regret it forever!" she pleaded.