Chapter 273

The words came from Alistair's lips before Olivia could even form her response. "Olivia, I understand your hesitation," he said with grandfatherly warmth. "Though our acquaintance is brief, blood ties or not, you'll always have a place here. This is your home now. No harm will come to you under this roof."

Olivia's breath caught in her throat. Medical confirmation of their relation still hung in the balance. The logical part of her mind whispered that she likely didn't belong to the prestigious Kensington lineage. Had Donovan kept this uncertainty from his grandfather to spare him distress?

After a weighted silence, Olivia chose to let the matter rest. This delicate conversation belonged between Donovan and Alistair. Besides, words failed her when it came to discussing the fragile possibility of kinship.

Meanwhile, Celeste's report sent Seraphina into a rage. A stinging slap echoed through the room. "Did you make absolutely clear to my grandfather?" Seraphina hissed. "How could he possibly choose to exile me?"

Celeste's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. "I delivered every word exactly as you instructed, Miss Kensington. I even emphasized how Olivia was causing trouble. But the moment I finished, he flew into a thunderous rage."

Seraphina's lips curled in contempt. "Does that impostor Olivia truly believe she can claim the Kensington name? Just wait. Her fraudulent little charade will crumble soon enough."

Shifting uneasily, Celeste ventured, "What should our next move be, Miss Kensington?"

Fingers massaging her temples, Seraphina's gaze turned glacial. "What options remain? Donovan is determined to cast me out. Even feigning illness won't sway him now." A dangerous thought flickered behind her eyes before she exhaled in resignation.

A knock interrupted them. "Miss Kensington, Mr. Kensington requests an update on your packing progress."

Seraphina wrenched the door open, forcing a brittle smile. "Tell Donovan he's choosing an outsider over his own flesh and blood. Is this how the mighty Kensington heir treats family?"

The response came measured and calm. "Mr. Kensington anticipated your question. He wishes me to convey this isn't about preference, but necessity. Furthermore, the lady in question is your cousin. He expects you to refrain from such remarks henceforth. Shall we assist with your packing?"

The mask shattered. "Get out!" Seraphina snarled, but Donovan's men stood their ground - their orders were absolute.

A new voice cut through the tension. "I'd like to see how Donovan justifies mistreating my sister."

Outside, the storm intensified. Thunder shook the manor as lightning illuminated Olivia's startled face.

Alistair intervened gently, "The weather worsens, my dear. You should retire for the evening. Should you need anything, Donovan will provide. Stern though he may seem, he's utterly dependable in family matters."

Olivia nodded, her expressive hands conveying she found Donovan both kind and considerate.

Alistair's smile deepened. "You're his cousin, after all. If he neglects his duties, I'll have strong words about how he's been spending his time."