Chapter 329

Olivia arrived at Mercy Hospital but refused to step anywhere near Seraphina's ward. No matter who tried to corner her, she had the perfect excuse ready.

Whenever questioned, Olivia would fake a cough behind her mask. "I'm still recovering from the virus. I'll visit when Seraphina's fully healed. Don't worry—I'm practically living here already, eating hospital food and everything. Consider this my way of keeping her company."

"Olivia, what's your problem?" Margaret snapped. "If you didn't want to be here, why did you even come?"

Olivia blinked innocently. "Margaret, don't you remember? You practically dragged me here."

The realization struck Margaret like a slap. They were the ones who had insisted Olivia stay.

Now, Olivia was planted in this spot, leaving Margaret clueless about how to proceed with her carefully laid plans.

Margaret's expression darkened. "Forget this," she muttered before storming off.

Isabelle peeked out from behind Olivia, her wide eyes filled with unease. "Mommy, she was scary!"

Olivia smoothed Isabelle's hair, soothing her. "Stay close to me, sweetheart. Don't go anywhere, no matter who asks, okay?" Isabelle nodded eagerly. "Mommy, I'll be good."

Olivia smiled and cupped her daughter's cheek. "That's my girl," she whispered.

After some discreet inquiries, Olivia learned that neither Donovan nor his father could make it. They were apparently swamped with issues at the Kensington estate and couldn't leave. If that was true, it made sense.

But something still didn't sit right with Olivia.

At lunch, Olivia did a quick calculation. In two days, Seraphina would be fully recovered, and she could finally take Isabelle away.

Isabelle had been born in Westhaven. Though she was Eldermerean by blood, she had never actually set foot in her homeland.

Despite her young age, Isabelle was fluent in both Westhavenian and Eldermerean.

Still, there were cultural differences between the two countries.

Concerned that Isabelle might struggle to adjust, Olivia found some popular Eldermerean children's shows for her to watch. Olivia was nearly asleep before Isabelle finished the first episode.

Glancing at the locked door, Olivia beckoned Isabelle over. Isabelle set the tablet aside and hurried to her mother's side.

"Sweetheart, want to take a nap with me?" Olivia asked, pulling her daughter close. In that moment, holding Isabelle, she felt like she held the entire world in her arms.

Rubbing her eyes, Isabelle nodded sleepily. "Okay, Mommy. I'm tired too."

The room fell silent as rain began tapping gently against the windows.

Half-asleep, Olivia felt someone carefully drape a blanket over her.

Bleary-eyed, she looked up and saw the masked man from the auction house that night.

His gaze held a quiet warmth.