Chapter 272

Olivia watched as Celeste's expression twisted with exaggerated distress. "Miss Kensington never meant to cause any trouble, but—"

Celeste's face contorted further, her voice dripping with false sorrow. "She truly doesn't wish to leave you, Mr. Kensington. She cares deeply for your wellbeing."

Alistair let out a dry chuckle that held no amusement. "Don't mistake my age for senility. My memory serves me perfectly today. I distinctly recall Seraphina demanding to leave not long ago."

The dramatic tears stopped instantly. A flush of embarrassment crept up Celeste's neck, but she was in too deep to retreat now. "That was all just a terrible misunderstanding," she insisted.

Suddenly, Celeste's finger shot out, pointing accusingly at Olivia. "It's this woman's doing! Everything was fine between Miss Kensington and Mr. Donovan Kensington until she appeared. Since then, they've done nothing but argue. Miss Kensington became so distraught she fell ill. And Mr. Donovan only decided to send her away because this woman demanded it!"

The venom in Celeste's glare could have poisoned a well. She blamed Olivia for every ounce of humiliation she'd suffered recently. If only Olivia had stayed in her place instead of playing her clever games, none of this would have happened.

Seraphina had been furious, feeling utterly outmaneuvered by Olivia. Yet she couldn't unleash her rage publicly without losing face. So she'd taken it all out on Celeste instead.

Celeste had borne the brunt of Seraphina's temper, barely able to endure the constant berating.

Olivia observed Celeste's performance with mild amusement, though she hadn't expected to be so directly implicated.

She'd intended to stay out of this family drama, but seeing Alistair's darkening expression, she felt compelled to clarify matters.

Just as Olivia opened her mouth to explain, Alistair cut her off sharply.

"I may be old, but I'm no fool!" His voice cracked like a whip, making Celeste flinch.

Celeste's lips pressed into a thin line as she looked up at Alistair with nervous eyes.

Taking a steadying breath, Alistair continued in a more measured tone, "Return to Seraphina and tell her this: she remains my granddaughter. While I can overlook many things, I refuse to be treated as a doddering old man. Yes, I have my moments of confusion. Sometimes I don't recognize faces or recall my actions, and perhaps I've behaved foolishly at times. But if she finds acknowledging me as her grandfather too burdensome, then she's welcome to keep her distance."

Celeste's nerves visibly frayed. She forced an ingratiating smile. "Mr. Kensington, Miss Kensington respects you immensely! She would never deny you as her grandfather."

Alistair scoffed. "Then she should stop stirring up trouble and let me live in peace."

With Alistair's position made so clear, Celeste bit her tongue. She wanted to argue further but hesitated, stealing glances at Alistair before deciding retreat was the better part of valor.

Olivia felt she should interject, wanting to explain that she wished for Alistair to have harmony with his family, not discord because of her.