Chapter 313

No one who had known Olivia Sinclair before would recognize the woman she had become.

Beside Olivia, a cherub-faced little girl with enormous curious eyes absorbed the vibrant artwork. Each stunning piece drew squeals of delight and enthusiastic clapping from the child.

Olivia's heart melted at her daughter's excitement. She lifted Isabelle into her arms. Her voice, once fragile and broken, now flowed rich and warm. "Isabelle, darling, we still need to choose Grandfather's present first. Then we'll get something special for you, alright?"

Isabelle blinked her wide eyes, her voice bubbling with childish joy. "Presents! Yay!"

"That's my clever girl." Olivia pressed a kiss to Isabelle's rosy cheek, her heart swelling with love.

Their path to the VIP lounge was suddenly blocked by a security guard.

Olivia immediately recognized the Kensington family crest on the guard's uniform.

The guard shifted uncomfortably before speaking. "Miss, I'm afraid entry isn't permitted right now. Lady Margaret Kensington and Lady Seraphina Kensington have reserved the entire space."

Olivia's smile never wavered. "I've made prior arrangements with the gallery owner. Perhaps he's occupied and hasn't seen my message. Would you mind if I waited inside?"

Her polite demeanor and confirmed appointment left the guard little choice. With a reluctant nod, he stepped aside.

As Olivia approached the VIP area, peals of laughter reached her ears. The laughter died abruptly when she entered.

Seraphina sat beside an impeccably dressed middle-aged woman who gave Olivia a frosty, assessing look.

Olivia offered a polite smile. "Good afternoon, Margaret. Hello, Seraphina."

She settled Isabelle beside her, seemingly oblivious to the tension. Seraphina let out a mocking laugh. "Really? You have to compete with me over everything, even Donovan's birthday gift now?"

Margaret sniffed disdainfully. "Seraphina and I booked this space. Must you follow us everywhere?" she demanded rudely.

Olivia blinked, maintaining her pleasant expression. "Follow you? Hardly. I'm simply here to select gifts as well. I understood all pieces were available for purchase with the owner's approval."

Seraphina burst into laughter, the sound ringing sharply through the room. "The only reason we're here is because Margaret knows the gallery owner personally. Olivia, you make it sound like befriending such people is easy."

The art world was notoriously exclusive. Even wealth and status didn't guarantee access without the right connections.

It was pure coincidence that Margaret had met this gallery's owner, securing their privileged access today to choose Donovan's gift.

Olivia didn't argue the point. Instead, she replied with calm assurance, "If I weren't meant to be here, I'm certain security would have removed me by now."