Chapter 277

Seraphina Kensington scoffed, her cynicism dripping from every word. "Everyone knows Alistair's mind isn't what it used to be. Just because he's taken a fancy to some girl doesn't mean we all have to bow down. I refuse to acknowledge her."

Gwendolyn Kensington nodded in agreement, her lips curling in distaste. "Absolutely. She's clearly an imposter."

Julian Kensington sighed, rubbing his temples. "Even if she is, we should at least pretend in public. Though I must say... while she appears meek, there's an undeniable stubbornness about her. Is she truly naive or just playing games?"

Seraphina's eyes flashed with anger. "She's no innocent. I was the one who saved her life, and this is how she repays me? Whether you support me or not, I won't let her get away with this."

As Seraphina's rage escalated, Frederick and Julian exchanged exhausted glances, realizing their options were limited. With silent understanding, they motioned for the servants to escort the two women away to calm down.

Once alone, father and son remained in the study, voices lowered to barely audible whispers.

Julian leaned closer to his father, concern etching his features. "Father, Seraphina might not see it, but you and Mother must have noticed... Olivia bears an uncanny resemblance to Aunt Vivienne—"

Frederick cut him off with a heavy sigh. "You're right. She likely is."

Julian's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "But Seraphina was so convinced Olivia was a fraud before we returned."

Frederick's frown deepened. "Your sister never met your cousin before. And many people share similar features."

Lowering his voice further, Frederick's tone turned conspiratorial. "Regardless, the only ones who could confirm her identity are gone. You need to get close to her, Julian. She could be useful to us."

"Fake or real, we'll make her real," Frederick declared with finality. "If she stays with my father long enough, she'll serve our purposes."

Julian nodded, understanding the darker implications of his father's words. A sly smile played on his lips. "Understood."

His expression then shifted to concern. "But what about Seraphina's condition?"

Frederick massaged his temples, the stress evident. "I'm still searching for solutions. Just keep her calm. She's brilliant but volatile, and each episode worsens her condition. Watch over her."

"I will," Julian promised.

Before Olivia's return, Alistair had proposed throwing an extravagant recognition banquet in her honor.

Yet Olivia, sensing the political minefield such an event would create within the Kensington family, immediately declined.

Her refusal was firm, her body language screaming, "I appreciate the thought, but no thank you. Crowds make me uneasy."

Alistair's disappointment was palpable. His voice thickened with emotion as he pressed, "You're my granddaughter. After everything you've suffered, I want to make it right. If you refuse this, it feels like you're rejecting me too."