Chapter 260

Frustration burned in Sebastian's chest as he confronted the security team. "I saw you let Mr. Kensington through. Why am I being denied entry? This is blatant favoritism!"

The head guard remained impassive, his voice professional yet firm. "Our orders come directly from the top, sir. I suggest you take this up with management."

Liam approached swiftly, placing a restraining hand on Sebastian's arm before the situation escalated.

Sebastian's jaw clenched, his displeasure evident in every tense line of his body.

Once they'd moved away from earshot, Sebastian couldn't contain his frustration. "Mr. Blackwood, you shouldn't have made those concessions. It's obvious Donovan has reservations about you."

Liam's gaze remained fixed on some distant point as he responded in measured tones. "Donovan's wariness works in our favor. It means he's vigilant - exactly what Olivia needs for protection. His caution with me ensures he'll be doubly careful with others." A faint smile touched his lips. "Besides, public commitments from a Kensington aren't easily retracted."

Sebastian frowned. "But what if she's not actually related to the Kensingtons?"

Liam shook his head dismissively. "Even if that were true, he wouldn't reverse course now. The Kensington family needs stability, and Olivia provides that." His voice took on a bitter edge. "They're not like the Blackwoods. They actually care about their people."

Sebastian caught the unspoken comparison, exhaling heavily.

The implication hung between them - the Blackwood family's notorious emotional detachment, their cold corporate mentality.

Breaking the heavy silence, Liam suddenly commanded, "To the hospital."

Sebastian nodded briskly, opening the car door with practiced efficiency.

The scene at Mercy Hospital's VIP wing was tense when they arrived. The Kensington family stood clustered outside the critical care unit, their expressions grim. Evelyn appeared particularly distraught.

Richard and Victor were already present, the air thick with unspoken accusations.

Liam's calm entrance created an immediate contrast to the charged atmosphere.

Richard rounded on him immediately, his voice shaking with barely contained rage. "Mother nearly died in that accident! Where were you? How can you stand there looking so unaffected? Don't you care at all?"

At this, Victor stepped forward.

The left side of Victor's face remained hidden behind a medical mask, giving him an unsettling, asymmetrical appearance. His visible features were handsome but set in grim lines.

"Richard, let's remain hopeful. Mrs. Winslow is strong." Though Victor's words seemed conciliatory, his gaze fixed accusingly on Liam. "Though I must say, Liam, your demeanor is... remarkably composed for a son visiting his critically ill mother."

Before Liam could respond, Evelyn jumped to his defense. "That's not fair! Liam's been making arrangements this whole time. Just because he's not weeping in the hallway doesn't mean he's not concerned."

Liam nodded calmly. "Quite right. I've been making extensive preparations."

At Liam's subtle gesture, Sebastian produced several items from his briefcase - funeral urns, memorial cards, and other end-of-life arrangements.

The hospital corridor fell into stunned silence.