Chapter 303

Alistair, somewhat comforted by Olivia's reassurances, reluctantly left with the others.

A uniformed officer gestured for Olivia to follow him.

Donovan immediately stepped forward. "Officer, this grainy footage proves nothing. Anyone could have dressed like Olivia. She's already stated she wasn't present. This is clearly a setup. With so many influential guests here today, arresting her would ruin her reputation."

"Mr. Kensington, I understand your concern," the officer replied evenly. "But we must follow the evidence. We can't simply take her statement without verification."

Julian interjected, "Why don't we review the security footage from the garden path to confirm her whereabouts?"

Donovan turned to Olivia, his piercing gaze searching hers. "Try to remember exactly. Where were you when Seraphina fell into the pool?"

Olivia pressed her fingers to her temples, feeling the intensity of Donovan's stare. The pieces slowly came together in her mind.

With careful gestures, Olivia explained she had been heading toward the garden entrance to meet someone, but changed her mind halfway and returned.

Donovan instantly understood who she'd intended to meet but chose not to voice it. Instead, he requested footage from the path she described.

To their dismay, they discovered that particular camera had malfunctioned.

A deep frown creased Donovan's forehead as unease settled in his gut. He suddenly realized his direct questioning might have played into the trap. Every possible alibi Olivia could provide seemed to have been anticipated, with corresponding evidence conveniently missing.

Olivia's face drained of color as she recognized the meticulous nature of the scheme.

Just then, a mocking voice cut through the crowd. "That path leads to the greenhouse. Isn't that where she went?"

"Most likely. It's rarely used."

The officers focused their attention on Olivia. "Miss Sinclair, can anyone verify you were near the garden entrance?"

Olivia shook her head grimly. She'd been alone at the time. And the person she'd intended to meet never saw her since she turned back.

The lead officer sighed and motioned toward her. "Please come with us."

As the police began escorting Olivia away, Donovan reached out and caught her wrist.

"This is my fault." Regret darkened his features. "I promised to protect you, yet here we are. Someone in the Kensington family clearly orchestrated this."

Olivia shook her head, refusing to let Donovan blame himself. The true responsibility lay with the mastermind behind this elaborate trap - and with herself for not being more cautious.

"You just need proof Olivia was at the garden entrance when it happened, correct?" A sudden voice echoed through the corridor, cutting through the tension.