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

Ashbourne Manor's

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on declining, it wouldn't just

he accepted it with

return the villa to Caroline later

wasn't his. Never mind the fact that Caroline was already paying him a million

Alban approached

in his fifties, silver-haired, lean,

tailored black suit.

a tenured professor than

in time," Mabel told him. "Take Alistair to finalize

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

leaving. No

she relented.

Let her in."

36 A Proper

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guilt written all over her face. But the moment her eyes met Alistair's,

moment, the voice of the Life Choice System rang out again in his mind. "You sense that the Ashbourne family may 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 sooner or later, you'll be gone.

reward for it is

Mabel just welcomed you into the family. You may not belong here- but that doesn't mean you

it is 200

need to

system handing him dilemmas like this, always

word, he already knew. what he'd choose. Chapter

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without a reward, he wasn't about to stand

all he had right

something was off. And every part of him was telling him Agnes was at the center of it. But without proof, what could

just march up to her, grab her by the

she was plotting.

That would be insane.

time, he'd caught her off guard-her panic had given

into hiding whatever it was she was planning. And that

the System Store on

it, and his heart

Voice skill acquired. Lock onto one target and hear

costs 200 system

didn't hesitate for a second

the system anyway, a reward

he could stop the

A

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into a disaster because of it, then the price was more

worth it.

"Target locked-Agnes Crowley."

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

and filled with bitterness.

for

for the

Even if

their praise, I should

damn respect, shouldn't I? 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

up his coffee cup without flinching, hiding his rising

a calm facade.

Wow. She's really bitter.

only did Agnes not regret her actions, but she was actively resenting the

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

it all comes crashing

really

understand it-was this woman

weren't just wealthy. They

if even a sliver of this was

36 A

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in trouble-she'd

that hurt both sides. There was nothing to gain from

Not unless she had

wish.

was that

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

away.

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

her. She wasn't going to

Agnes had served her family long enough. A little

undeserved, cost nothing.

job once this is done. No. stress, good pay.

for this plan to work. Please, God,

sister hasn't

sure of it. Probably her. I came today just to see the old hag one last time. Hopefully she'll take pity on me and not blacklist me for good. Otherwise, not

Introduction Wait-Mr. Vaughn? Preston

hit like ice water

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admirer. So this whole thing is tied to

And Agnes' sister....

the pieces

woman who looked eerily similar

They were sisters.

That explained everything.

wonder this

deeper than he'd thought. He leaned back

trying not to miss a

his mind

noise.

through

turned away with a respectful nod, her demeanor impeccable, and