Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard)

Chapter 36 A Proper Introduction

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After lunch, Mabel pulled her usual trick-sending Caroline and Eloise off under some pretense, leaving Alistair behind.

Caroline glanced helplessly at Alistair before sighing, "Grandma..."

"Oh, relax," Mabel said with a wave of her hand. "I just want a word with Alistair.

I'm not going to bite him. Right, Alistair?"

"I'll be fine," Alistair said gently, offering Caroline a reassuring

smile.

But the moment she walked out, the confidence left him. He sat awkwardly on the edge of the couch, back ramrod straight like a student kept after class for unfinished homework.

Mabel chuckled, clearly amused, "Loosen up, dear. I promise, I

don't bite."

That broke the ice. Alistair let out a shy laugh, embarrassed by how tense he was.

It wasn't like he was being interrogated by a firing squad. Mabel had a kind face,

and Caroline had always been protective of him.

So what exactly am I afraid of?

Just because I'm not "ideal" on paper? That's not really a crime,

is it?

Chapter 36 A Proper Introduction

"I've heard a bit about your situation," Mabel said, her voice softening.

Alistair felt his shoulders ease.

He smiled sheepishly, "I'm not really someone who deserves Caroline."

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Mabel frowned, "Don't sell yourself short. That kind of talk doesn't sit well with me. Caroline chose you, and that's all I need

to know."

"Thank you," he said quietly.

"We're family now," Mabel said kindly. "And family doesn't need to toss around words like 'thank you' all the time."

But then her expression shifted. Her voice, while still calm, carried more weight now. "But let's get one thing clear. Caroline is a good girl-no, she's an exceptional one. I won't lie, she's the pride of this family. Since she chose you, you'd better understand what that means. You don't get to hurt her. Not. ever. If you do, I swear I won't go easy on you.".

Alistair sat up straighter, his hand instinctively raising in a solemn gesture. "I promise I'll treat her well for the rest of my life. If I ever hurt her, may I-"

"Alright, alright,” Mabel interrupted quickly, waving her hand. “That's enough. No need to tempt fate."

Chapter 36 A Proper Introduction

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There was a certain reverence in her tone, the kind that came from someone who didn't take fate lightly.

She sighed, muttering under her breath, "Caroline's a good kid, but she's too headstrong sometimes. Didn't even warn us before dragging you home-caught me completely unprepared."

Even as she grumbled, she reached into a drawer and slid a small notebook across the table toward him.

"We didn't have time to plan this properly, so I couldn't prepare a proper gift. But here's something from me, if you're willing to accept it."

He glanced down. It was a property deed-for a villa in SoHo.

He froze.

"This... this is too much. I can't possibly accept it."

Mabel's expression darkened. "What's so 'much' about it? It's just a villa. Don't tell

me you're turning it down because you. think my gift is cheap or rushed."

"No, not at all," Alistair said quickly, flustered. "It's just... I didn't bring you anything in return..."

Mabel laughed, warm and wide, the lines around her eyes deepening, "Just take care of Caroline and Eloise. That's the only gift I care about. And it's a lifelong one-far more valuable than a villa."

Chapter 36 A Proper Introduction

He couldn't find the words to answer.

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People with wealth... maybe that's why they don't cling to material things. They know what really matters. They know sincerity when they see it.

Suddenly, Mabel's gaze sharpened again. "Now tell me the truth. Is this marriage between you and Caroline just a transaction?"

His mind went blank. Cold prickled down his spine.

Of course she'd ask. Caroline warned me-her grandma sees through everything.

He was ready for this. At least, he thought he was. No matter how rattled he felt inside, his face remained steady. "Please trust us. We would never treat something as serious as marriage like a joke."

And even as the words left his mouth, guilt followed right after.

A lie. But a kind one.

Mabel stared him down for a long moment. Then, she threw her head back and laughed, "Oh, I'm just messing with you. Look at you-completely frozen!"

He tried to smile, but it was more relief than amusement.

"You'll go sign the transfer this afternoon. Alban will take you," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

A Proper

Ashbourne Manor's

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declining, it wouldn't

he accepted it

go along with it now. He could always return the villa to Caroline later if it came

what wasn't his. Never mind the fact that

approached from the

in his fifties, silver-haired, lean, and

tailored black suit.

like a tenured professor

Mabel told him. "Take

a slight bow, he added, "Agnes has packed her things.

faded. "She's leaving. No

a pause, she relented. "She's been with us long

Let her in."

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over her face. But the moment her eyes met Alistair's, something twisted in his

mind. "You sense that the Ashbourne family may be in danger. What will you do? "Option one: stay

for it is 100 system

she's treated you with nothing but kindness. Mabel just

for it

need

grown used to the system handing him dilemmas like this, always dangling a reward

it hadn't said a word, he already knew. what he'd choose. Chapter

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reward, he wasn't about to stand

he had right

him Agnes was at the center of it. But without proof,

march up to her, grab her by the collar, and

she was plotting.

That would be insane.

off guard-her panic had given her away. This time? She looked calm, composed, and

scare her into hiding whatever it was she was planning. And that would

System Store on instinct. He scrolled quickly, hoping-no, needing-to find

saw it, and his heart nearly

acquired. Lock onto one target and hear his thoughts

It costs

for a second

from the system anyway, a reward for making

If he could stop

A Proper

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of it, then

worth it.

"Target locked-Agnes Crowley."

calm voice echoed in his mind, a new

and filled with bitterness.

for

for the

years. Even if

their praise,

perfect. So I made some mistakes -does that mean I don't deserve a second chance? Just like that,

cup without flinching, hiding his rising tension

a calm facade.

Wow. She's really bitter.

she was actively resenting the family for

rough? I'll play dirtier. Let's see how high and

are when it all comes crashing

really is planning

couldn't understand it-was this

They

a sliver of this was exposed,

36 A Proper

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be in trouble-she'd

plan that hurt both sides. There was nothing to gain from

for her. Not unless she had a

wish.

that

clearly planning something-but what exactly? That part still eluded him. He had no choice but to keep listening, forcing himself to stay patient,

away.

you for everything these past years,” Agnes said aloud, her voice trembling with fake sentiment. "I'll

She wasn't going to drag

bitterness. Agnes had served her family long enough. A

undeserved, cost nothing.

a cushy job once this

need is for this plan to work. Please,

hasn't

see the old hag one last time. Hopefully she'll take pity on me and not blacklist

Proper Introduction

name hit like ice water to the

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this whole thing is

And Agnes' sister....

the pieces fell

a woman who looked eerily similar

They were sisters.

That explained everything.

wonder this feels

he'd thought. He leaned back slightly,

not to miss

mind

noise.

came through with stunning

away with a respectful nod, her demeanor impeccable, and