Chapter 256

Donovan Kensington clenched his jaw, his voice dripping with cold determination. "If I recall correctly, she's been begging to return to Westhaven for months. I'm simply granting her wish. Shouldn't she be grateful? Besides, the best medical specialists who treated her before are based there. This is for her own good."

As Donovan laid out his reasoning, Seraphina's performance escalated dramatically. She let out a piercing wail, clutching her chest as if on the verge of collapse, hoping to manipulate Donovan's decision through sheer theatrics. Celeste Dumont, despite her own discomfort, had no choice but to continue supporting Seraphina's exaggerated distress.

Donovan's icy gaze swept over both women before he exhaled wearily. His tone softened marginally as he commanded, "Return to your quarters. I'll inform you of my final decision when I'm ready."

The moment Donovan turned away, Seraphina immediately dropped her act. She shot Celeste a venomous glare, her frustration palpable. "This is all your fault. You're why Donovan isn't buying it."

Celeste bowed her head in submission, her voice trembling with apology. "My deepest apologies, Miss Kensington. I accept full responsibility for my shortcomings."

"Stay kneeling here until I say otherwise," Seraphina snapped before her thoughts turned to Olivia Sinclair, her long-lost cousin who had recently returned to Newport.

The security team immediately alerted Donovan when Seraphina arrived to visit Olivia. After brief consideration, Donovan granted permission but issued strict orders. "Double the guards around Olivia. Protect her at all costs. Report any incidents to me immediately."

"Yes, sir."

Olivia was enjoying a peaceful stroll through the gardens accompanied by her private nurse when she suddenly heard an artificially sweet voice behind her.

"There you are, darling Olivia!" Seraphina called out with exaggerated cheerfulness, her smile never reaching her cold eyes.

Olivia's entire body tensed. Just hearing that voice made her skin crawl. She turned slowly, her expression carefully blank.

Undeterred, Seraphina swept forward and linked arms with Olivia as if they were childhood friends. "Welcome home, cousin! I'm absolutely thrilled you're back. I brought you a present! I do hope you'll adore it."

Olivia's eyes flashed with warning as she forcefully disengaged herself, putting clear distance between them. It astonished her how Seraphina could pretend their bitter history didn't exist, acting as if yesterday's hostilities had never occurred.

Using sign language that was immediately interpreted, Olivia responded sharply. "Seraphina, spare me the act. We both know we're not friends. Consider this your only warning - if you cross me, I will hold you accountable. Since you haven't actually harmed me yet, I'm willing to overlook your past behavior. But stay away from me."

Seraphina merely batted her eyelashes, feigning innocence and hurt. "Are you really rejecting family, Olivia? I've apologized for the past. Can't you give me a chance to make things right? We should at least try to get along for Donovan's sake," she pleaded, her saccharine tone making Olivia's stomach turn.

Olivia's disgust grew as she witnessed Seraphina's transparent performance. With a discreet gesture, she signaled both her nurse and security detail to intervene and create space between them.