Chapter 284

A sardonic smirk curled Seraphina's lips as she observed the scene before her. "Just look at Olivia, basking in false security. Does she truly believe my cousin's sweet lies? How pathetically naive."

Celeste nodded in agreement, her voice dripping with contempt. "Absolutely. She endured hardships abroad only to return as an imposter, thinking she can manipulate the Kensingtons. But your elegance and grace are qualities Olivia could never hope to attain, not even in her wildest dreams."

Chuckling darkly, Seraphina toyed with her pearl necklace. A mischievous thought suddenly occurred to her. "Speaking of which, I recall Liam paying us a visit recently. Donovan refused to tell me the purpose, but I've pieced it together myself. Liam came to finalize their divorce."

Seraphina clicked her tongue in mock sympathy. "From what I heard, Olivia was merely adopted by the Blackwoods, living off their charity. Then she shamelessly seduced Liam into marriage, only to be discarded like yesterday's news. Now she's just another pregnant divorcée."

Celeste eagerly added, "Quite right. I'm curious what she plans to do now that she's been cast aside. Rumor has it she signed the divorce papers without hesitation."

Seraphina scoffed. "Why wouldn't she? The Kensingtons are lightyears ahead of the Blackwoods. She thought she was upgrading her social status, so she threw the Blackwoods away like trash. Besides, Liam's fortunes have taken quite the downturn lately."

Celeste lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Miss, if Mr. Blackwood continues to struggle financially, would you...?"

With a dramatic toss of her golden curls, Seraphina interrupted, "What exactly are you suggesting? Only the most exceptional men deserve my attention. I admired Liam for his business acumen. If he becomes destitute, he's worthless to me. Handsome features might be pleasing, but why would I settle for a failure?"

Her crimson lips twisted into a predatory grin as she added, "Though I'm not completely heartless. If he comes crawling back in desperation, perhaps I'll entertain myself with him for a while."

Celeste fawned, "Miss, your generosity knows no bounds."

Then, with calculated casualness, Celeste mentioned, "Mr. Julian Kensington is hosting a welcome banquet for Olivia. Miss, you might want to prepare accordingly."

Seraphina's smile vanished instantly. She replied through gritted teeth, "I'm aware. I'll comply with my cousin's wishes."

Under her breath, she seethed, "That Olivia, who does she think she is? She's nothing but a fraud, and I'll expose her sooner or later."

The day of the grand banquet arrived at last.

Though Julian had generously provided designer gowns and exquisite jewelry, Olivia had no intention of wearing them.

Donovan, ever thoughtful, had arranged for an alternative wardrobe and even hired a professional styling team.

Unfortunately, all three couture dresses Donovan sent were discovered mysteriously damaged - clearly the work of sabotage.

Winston, who had delivered the garments, was visibly furious. "Miss, rest assured I'll investigate this thoroughly. Whoever dared do this will face consequences," he vowed.

Olivia sighed, suspecting Seraphina's hand in this but choosing not to pursue the matter. Some battles weren't worth fighting.

Using graceful hand gestures, Olivia communicated her question, which was immediately interpreted by the attending maid. "If I don't have a suitable dress, may I wear one of my own? Please don't worry - I do have appropriate attire."

Winston shook his head gravely. "Miss, you may not be aware, but the Kensington family maintains certain... standards. All family members are expected to wear items valued in the millions to formal events. Anything less would invite gossip, and Mr. Alistair Kensington would take great offense. Now with Mr. Donovan Kensington overseeing affairs, any whispers of impropriety could prove problematic..."