Chapter 478

"Just because she's rich, we're supposed to worship the ground she walks on?"

"Exactly! Keep your voice down. This is clearly a case of privilege and power being abused. We should stand with the underdog, not cower before bullies."

Olivia Sinclair remained unfazed by the online storm of insults and debates swirling around her. If anything, she seemed to thrive on it. The controversy meant more attention for Sinclair Enterprises, perfectly setting the stage for her next strategic move.

Meanwhile, Margaret Sinclair seethed with barely contained rage. Despite her attempts to expose Olivia's true nature, she found herself drowning in a sea of cyberbullying. One particularly cutting comment claimed she wasn't even fit to be Olivia's maid. The words burned through Margaret like acid.

Margaret's room became a warzone as she hurled objects across the floor, her curses directed at Olivia. "Who does that Sinclair bitch think she is? Just born with a silver spoon in her mouth! And these brainless netizens - they think I'm beneath her?" As her tantrum reached its peak, the door creaked open.

Alistair Kensington entered, his face immediately twisting in disapproval at the sight of his disheveled granddaughter amidst the destruction. Without a word, he turned to leave. Margaret gritted her teeth, forcing sweetness into her tone as she rushed after him. "Grandfather, didn't you promise I'm your granddaughter? When will you take me home?"

Alistair studied Margaret with weary eyes. "The Kensington estate isn't safe. You're better off staying away. Distance from the family will protect you from their schemes."

Margaret's anxiety spiked. "Grandfather, you're not thinking clearly. We're family - why would family plot against each other? You're ill and paranoid. We should go home."

Alistair remained unmoved. "What's the rush? Do you think life among the wealthy Kensingtons would be so much better? My true granddaughter wouldn't be so obsessed with wealth."

Tears of frustration sprang to Margaret's eyes as she spun away. "Do you even care that your granddaughter is being bullied to the breaking point? I just want the protection of my family. Is that so wrong?" Silence was her only answer.

In desperation, Margaret produced a jade pendant, her voice cracking. "Grandfather, remember this? You gave it to my mother. Said it would be how you'd recognize her. I found you with it, yet now you deny me."

Her hand trembled as she continued, "If it means nothing, why give it to me? Fine then - I don't want it!" With dramatic flourish, she hurled the pendant into the wastebasket.

Alistair startled into action, scrambling to retrieve the discarded heirloom. He dusted it carefully, his frown deepening as he regarded his sobbing granddaughter.

His voice softened unexpectedly. "Give me time to think. Don't worry - if you're truly my granddaughter, I won't let anyone harm you."

Margaret's face lit up with triumph as she clutched Alistair's hand. "Oh Grandfather, you're too kind!"

Yet Alistair's gaze remained distant and cold. His fractured memory held only fragments - he distinctly remembered the jade belonging to his true granddaughter. But if Margaret wasn't her, why did she possess it?

Trapped in this gilded cage - Margaret forbade him from leaving, claiming his confusion made the outside world dangerous - Alistair realized the truth might only be found back at the Kensington estate.

Meanwhile, as online attention reached fever pitch around Sinclair Enterprises, Olivia made her move - announcing the company's participation in the prestigious Royal Jewelry Design Competition, igniting fresh waves of speculation and debate.