Chapter 283

Olivia Sinclair had barely taken two steps when Julian Kensington moved swiftly to block her path, his expression shifting to one of wounded melancholy. "Olivia, we hardly see each other. Why this frosty reception? It almost feels like you have some personal grudge against me."

Wanting to diffuse the tension without escalating matters, Olivia quickly typed on her phone. "I apologize if I came across as distant. That's just my personality - I'm naturally reserved and prefer solitude."

"But you—" Julian started.

Anticipating his next words, Olivia cut him off with rapid keystrokes. "Donovan and I have spent more time together, which explains why I might seem more comfortable around him. Everyone, including Alistair, knows I'm introverted by nature."

She continued typing, "Please don't feel obligated to interact with me beyond what makes you comfortable. I'll make sure Alistair understands there's no issue on my part."

Julian's eyes flickered with something unreadable before he pressed on, unsatisfied. "Yet you haven't explained why you seem to actively dislike me. As family, we should present a united front. If there are grievances, let's address them openly. Otherwise, it could damage family harmony. Don't you agree?"

Seeing Julian's determination for a clear answer, Olivia sighed and rubbed her temples before forcing a convincingly bright smile.

Her reply was carefully worded. "My past disagreements with Seraphina may have unconsciously affected how I treated you. That was unfair, and I apologize. You're not Seraphina. I'm sorry if any previous coldness seemed directed at you."

Julian visibly relaxed, though a trace of sadness remained. "I was genuinely worried you harbored ill feelings toward me."

Deciding to play along with his charade to avoid his persistent shadowing, Olivia grabbed Julian's arm like an affectionate younger sister. She showed him her typed message: "Julian, have you forgiven me now?"

"Completely," Julian replied with tender eyes. "From now on, I'll treat you as my own sister."

Olivia typed with playful mischief, "Better than you treat Seraphina?"

Julian nodded firmly. "Without question."

They exchanged smiles, though neither reached their eyes. Each harbored their own hidden agendas.

To outside observers, the scene painted a very different picture.

Seraphina Kensington, watching their interaction from nearby, seethed with barely contained rage. "What's wrong with Julian? Is he seriously treating that impostor as his sister now?"

Celeste Dumont, noticing Seraphina nearing another outburst, intervened quickly. "Miss, please remain calm for your health. Mr. Julian Kensington promised to handle Olivia. You should trust him. This is clearly just an act."

She added soothingly, "You're his blood sister. How could he possibly care about that scheming woman who wronged you?"

Somewhat placated, Seraphina lifted her chin with haughty superiority. "Of course I'm his real sister. Olivia Sinclair could never compare to me."