Chapter 275

The couple was flanked by a striking young man and Seraphina Kensington.

The young man bore a resemblance to Donovan, but his charisma was more pronounced, his warm gaze instantly making Olivia feel a strange flutter in her chest.

Olivia remained cautious. This had to be Julian Kensington, Seraphina's brother.

A knowing glance passed between Seraphina and Julian.

Surprisingly subdued, Seraphina stood quietly to the side, though a closer look revealed a smirk playing on her lips.

That expression told Olivia everything. With her family's arrival, Seraphina wasn't going anywhere.

A wave of unease washed over Olivia. Unsure of Seraphina's next move, she resolved to keep her distance.

With Winston's assistance, Alistair settled into the grand chair at the head of the hall.

Frederick Kensington approached eagerly, his voice laced with cautious hope. "Father, you still recognize me, don't you?"

Alistair gave him a sidelong glance. "My mind is perfectly clear today."

Frederick's shoulders relaxed with visible relief. "Thank heavens! I knew it was wise of Donovan to bring you here for treatment. That boy is truly dependable, unlike Julian who's always off chasing frivolities instead of tending to family matters."

He threw a pointed glare over his shoulder at Julian as he spoke.

Olivia's initial impression of Frederick's family wasn't favorable, yet she found herself studying him. Was his concern genuine, or was he simply skilled at playing the crowd? Either way, he knew how to work a room.

She knew perfectly well that Alistair had been brought to this country during a crisis, with Donovan having to search tirelessly for him.

Yet Frederick painted a picture of the dutiful grandson Donovan, bringing Alistair here solely for medical treatment.

Julian stepped forward, his smile mirroring his father's—sly as a fox with a dangerous glint in his eyes. But his attention was fixed elsewhere.

His smile widened as he turned to Olivia. "Grandfather, this must be our cousin? Olivia Sinclair, if I'm not mistaken? May I call you Olivia? You're absolutely breathtaking. You have your mother's eyes. I remember seeing a portrait of my aunt when I was a boy."

Olivia recognized the flattery, yet Julian's unexpectedly friendly demeanor caught her off guard. She'd anticipated outright rejection from Frederick's family.

Frederick nodded and beckoned her closer. "Come here, my dear. Let me have a proper look at you. My word, you're the very image of your mother."

He hastily brushed away a tear, seemingly overcome by painful memories.

Seeing Frederick's distress, Olivia stepped forward, offering a polite smile to the others.

Gwendolyn Kensington cut in with a sneer. "Look at you all, acting so sentimental. She doesn't seem particularly thrilled to see us. We've been standing here like decorations, and she hasn't even offered a proper greeting."

Seraphina let out a loud, mocking laugh.