Chapter 310

Tears welled up in Alistair's eyes as he clutched the photograph, realization washing over him. "Yes, I recognize her. This is my daughter. She was upset and ran away from home. I've been searching for her ever since," he confessed, his voice trembling with raw emotion.

His finger traced the image of the little girl in the photo. "And this precious child she's holding is my granddaughter. She has her mother's same smile, the same sparkle in her eyes."

A bittersweet expression crossed his weathered face. "I don't know where they are now. This is all my fault. I drove my daughter away with my stubbornness. She must hate me now."

Olivia felt her heart constrict with sympathy, barely holding back her own tears. Steadying herself, she reached out to comfort him. Through careful gestures, she conveyed that his daughter missed him deeply and bore no ill will. Then she signaled that she knew their current whereabouts.

Hope ignited in Alistair's weary eyes as he studied Olivia intently. "You're not deceiving an old man, are you?"

Olivia shook her head emphatically, gesturing that she genuinely knew where to find his family. She offered to lead him to them if he would trust her guidance.

To her surprise, Alistair agreed immediately. "I believe you. There's something about you that makes me want to trust you," he admitted. "You said we're friends, and true friends don't lie to each other."

A warm smile spread across Olivia's face as she regarded the elderly man who placed such faith in her.

Years of longing for Vivienne had visibly aged Alistair. Olivia wondered if her mother, if she were still alive, ever regretted leaving the Kensington family behind.

After comforting Alistair, Olivia remembered Seraphina was also hospitalized.

Learning that Seraphina's condition had improved significantly and she no longer needed ventilator support, Olivia decided to visit. As she reached the doorway of Seraphina's private ward, she witnessed an explosive outburst.

Seraphina, consumed by fury, had just slapped Celeste across the face before hurling a bowl of steaming soup at her head, her eyes burning with malice. "Why are you cowering? Didn't you swear absolute obedience to me?"

Her voice cut like a whip. "Were those just empty promises?"

Celeste, wincing from the stinging blow, dared not voice her pain. "Your happiness is my only concern," she whispered meekly. "I wish to serve you forever."

This only fueled Seraphina's rage. "Get out!" she shrieked.

As Celeste rushed from the room, she nearly collided with Olivia in the doorway. Though Celeste quickly averted her gaze, Olivia didn't miss the flash of resentment in her eyes.

It was evident Seraphina had been particularly cruel to her assistant lately. Considering Seraphina's recent brush with death at the hands of her own cousin and trusted servant, the fact that Celeste still lived might indicate some lingering restraint in the volatile woman.

Olivia studied Celeste for a brief moment before turning her attention back to the situation at hand.