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

Fairfax was Ashbourne Manor's

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insisted on declining, it wouldn't just

it with

He could always return the villa

mind the fact

then, Alban approached

his fifties, silver-haired, lean, and

tailored black suit.

like a

Mabel told him. "Take Alistair to finalize the paperwork

added, "Agnes has packed her things. She wishes to see you before

"She's leaving. No

pause, she relented. "She's been

Let her in."

36 A Proper

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all over her face. But the moment her eyes met

be in danger. What will you do? "Option one: stay out of it. You're not really part of this family. This is just a temporary arrangement, and

for it is 100 system

with nothing but kindness. Mabel just welcomed you into the family. You may

for it is 200

didn't need to

handing him dilemmas like this, always dangling a reward

truthfully, even if it hadn't said a word, he already knew. what he'd choose. Chapter 36 A

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reward, he wasn't about to stand by and

problem was, all he had right now was a feeling-a strong,

of him was telling him Agnes was at the center of

just march up to her, grab her by the

she was plotting.

That would be insane.

caught her off guard-her panic had given her away. This time? She

whatever it was

the idea hit him, Alistair pulled up the System Store on instinct. He scrolled quickly,

and his heart nearly leapt

Lock onto one target and hear

It costs 200 system

for a second to

credits were a gift from the system anyway,

he

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of it, then the price was

worth it.

"Target locked-Agnes Crowley."

the system's calm voice echoed in his mind, a new one. followed-cold,

and filled with bitterness.

worked for the

for the

Even if

their praise, I should

Nobody's perfect. So I made some mistakes -does that mean I don't deserve a second chance? Just like that, I'm out? Fired without so much as

up his coffee cup without flinching, hiding his rising

a calm facade.

Wow. She's really bitter.

actions, but she was actively resenting the family for holding

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

it all comes crashing

really is

understand it-was

weren't just wealthy. They held real

even a sliver of

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in

that hurt both sides. There was nothing to gain from

unless she had

wish.

believe she was that kind

he heard, the more uneasy he became. She was clearly planning something-but what exactly? That part still eluded him. He had no choice but to keep listening, forcing himself to stay patient, hoping she'd eventually give

away.

for everything these past years,” Agnes said aloud, her voice trembling

at her. She wasn't going to drag

family long enough. A little

undeserved, cost nothing.

once this is done. No. stress,

for this plan to work. Please, God, let

sister hasn't found

of it. Probably her. I came today just to see the old hag one last time.

A Proper Introduction Wait-Mr.

name hit like ice water to

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this whole thing is tied

And Agnes' sister....

the pieces fell into

who looked eerily similar to

They were sisters.

That explained everything.

this feels

deeper than he'd thought. He leaned back slightly,

now, trying not to

in his mind wasn't bound by

noise.

through

turned away with a respectful nod,