Chapter 316
Seraphina's words struck like daggers. The guards exchanged uncertain glances, their weapons lowering slightly.
Footsteps echoed sharply across the marble floor.
A deep, commanding voice sliced through the tension. "The Kensington name means nothing to me. What exactly do you plan to do about it?"
Marcus Whitmore strode into the gallery, flanked by six imposing bodyguards in dark suits.
Olivia's lips curved into a knowing smile. "I didn't expect you to come today."
Marcus closed the distance between them with purposeful strides. His eyes sparkled with amusement. "When have I ever missed an opportunity to see you?" As the owner of this prestigious exhibition, Marcus had left Gregory Thornton's studio two years prior.
Free from family obligations, Marcus had pursued his passion for art curation. His Eldermere-inspired exhibition had become the talk of Westhaven.
Olivia had stumbled upon the exhibition during one of her walks through Crestwood. The distinctive style had immediately caught her attention, stirring long-buried memories. Now a woman who followed her instincts without hesitation, Olivia had investigated until she uncovered the truth behind the exhibition's creator.
Seeing Marcus again after three years sent a jolt through Olivia. While most memories of Crestwood had blurred with time, Liam Blackwood's face remained painfully vivid.
Lately, Olivia had been dreaming of Liam more frequently. She told herself this meant she was finally ready to move on. Meanwhile, Seraphina stood frozen, realization dawning that Olivia actually knew the gallery owner.
Seraphina's voice dripped with venom. "If you knew him, why humiliate us like this? Was this some twisted game?"
Olivia arched an elegant eyebrow. "The problem isn't my explanation, but your refusal to listen. Who exactly tried to have me removed without cause?"
Marcus turned his piercing gaze toward Margaret and Seraphina. "My assistant informed me someone took the private viewing room I reserved for Olivia. I had to see who would be so bold."
His voice turned icy. "You claim Kensington blood, yet behave like common troublemakers. The real Kensingtons would never act with such poor manners."
Seraphina paled. She exchanged a frantic look with Margaret before they hastily retreated. Neither wanted to risk a public scandal in front of Westhaven's elite crowd.
The media here were far less forgiving than in Eldermere, known for twisting even the most innocent encounters into salacious headlines.
As the two women disappeared, the atmosphere immediately lightened.
Marcus smiled warmly at Isabelle. "And who might this lovely young lady be?" Isabelle studied Marcus with curious eyes before turning to Olivia for explanation.
The unspoken question hung between them - what had brought Olivia back to Westhaven after all these years? And more importantly, was she finally ready to face the past she'd left behind in Crestwood?