Chapter 274

Olivia hesitated for a brief moment, considering whether to reveal to Alistair that she might not be his biological granddaughter.

A sharp knock at the door shattered her thoughts before she could speak.

Winston, the family butler, entered with a respectful bow toward Olivia.

Assuming this was household business meant for Alistair alone, Olivia began to rise from her seat. But Alistair motioned for her to remain.

"You're family now. Stay," Alistair commanded in a tone that brooked no argument.

Olivia had no choice but to settle back into the plush armchair beside him.

"Sir," Winston announced, "Mr. Frederick Kensington and his family have arrived unannounced."

Olivia's brow furrowed. Frederick? She'd never heard that name before.

Alistair turned to explain. "Frederick is your second uncle. This will be your first meeting since he's been abroad until now."

His expression darkened as he addressed Winston again. "Why the devil has my son returned without informing me first?"

Winston shifted uncomfortably. "They arrived without warning. By the time we were notified, they were already at the gates. They've gone directly to Miss Seraphina Kensington's quarters. It appears to be a family reunion, and we couldn't intervene. Mr. Donovan Kensington seems particularly displeased, given Miss Seraphina's current... situation."

Alistair's jaw tightened. "The entire family?"

"Yes, sir," Winston confirmed. "They've even brought their private medical team for Miss Seraphina's care. They expressed concerns about your health and doubted Mr. Donovan's ability to manage affairs alone."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as Alistair's face became unreadable.

Olivia had never witnessed this stern side of the usually jovial old man. The transformation was startling.

After a tense silence, Alistair turned to Olivia with sudden consideration. "Would you like to meet your uncle's family?"

Every instinct screamed for Olivia to refuse, but she knew better. She nodded with forced enthusiasm.

Donovan had hinted that Alistair would likely indulge Olivia's every whim.

If she declined now, Alistair might postpone this inevitable meeting indefinitely. That would only delay the confrontation. Better to face them now.

Minutes later, Olivia followed Alistair's measured steps toward the grand hall.

The previously quiet mansion now hummed with unfamiliar voices and movement.

As they entered, Olivia's sharp eyes immediately catalogued the newcomers.

A distinguished couple stood at the center of the group. The woman's haughty gaze swept over Olivia before curling her lip in obvious disdain.