Chapter 271

Alistair Kensington's lips curved into a wistful smile, his eyes clouded with years of unspoken longing.

His hands moved gracefully as he explained how he'd relinquished most Kensington family duties to search the world for Vivienne and her child. During memory lapses, he'd adopt new identities - when they first met, he'd believed himself deaf and mute, hence the hearing aids and sign language.

Finishing his story, Alistair gave an embarrassed chuckle and pressed a finger to his lips. He added that Donovan remained unaware of this and preferred Olivia to keep their secret, not wanting to burden his cousin with worry.

The confession dissolved Olivia's tension, drawing genuine laughter from her. The atmosphere in the sunlit parlor grew noticeably warmer.

Olivia confessed she actually enjoyed hearing him speak, relishing the variety of voices around her. She expressed hope that someday her own voice might join the chorus.

Alistair nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful and kind.

Their conversation flowed easily for the next hour.

Olivia's initial apprehension faded completely. The once-intimidating family patriarch now seemed nothing more than a gentle grandfather figure.

Though doubts about her true parentage lingered, Olivia had resolved that if DNA confirmed Alistair as her grandfather, she'd let go of past Kensington family grievances. For now, she chose to embrace whatever joy this temporary home could offer.

A frantic knocking shattered the peaceful moment.

Alistair's demeanor hardened instantly. With a subtle gesture, he summoned the housekeeper to answer.

Celeste Dumont stood trembling in the doorway, tears streaking her flushed cheeks. "Mr. Kensington, you must intervene! Mr. Donovan insists on sending Miss Seraphina away, and she's just suffered her third relapse today. You know how fragile her constitution is - continued episodes could prove fatal. Mr. Donovan refuses to listen to reason. He's completely misjudged Miss Seraphina's intentions. Only your intervention can prevent disaster!"

Alistair's silver brows knitted together. "Seraphina had an episode? Why wasn't I informed?"

Celeste averted her eyes. "Miss Kensington didn't wish to disturb your rest. She merely took her emergency cardiac medication and endured the suffering alone."

Displeasure colored Alistair's voice. "If she's ill, she should see a physician. What good does coming to me do? I'm no doctor capable of healing her."

Hope flashed across Celeste's face. "Then you'll permit Miss Kensington to stay?"

Alistair shook his head firmly. "You misunderstand. Donovan makes his own decisions, and never without careful consideration. He's undoubtedly arranged everything for Seraphina's comfort. Trust his judgment and follow his instructions. Why must you and Seraphina make such unnecessary fuss?"