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.

36 A Proper

Ashbourne Manor's

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on declining, it wouldn't just be impolite-it

it

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

his. Never mind the fact that Caroline

Alban approached from the

silver-haired, lean, and dressed in a

tailored black suit.

more like a tenured

in time," Mabel told him. "Take Alistair

added,

faded. "She's leaving. No need

after a pause, she relented. "She's

Let her in."

A

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But the moment her eyes met Alistair's,

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

for it is 100 system

truly married to Caroline, but she's treated you with nothing but kindness. Mabel just welcomed you into the family. You may

for it is 200

didn't need

handing him dilemmas like this,

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

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without a reward, he wasn't about to stand by and do

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

something was off. And every part of him was telling him Agnes was

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

she was plotting.

That would be insane.

guard-her panic had given her away. This time?

now, all he'd do was scare her into hiding whatever it was

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

he saw it, and his heart nearly leapt

one

costs

didn't hesitate for a second to buy

credits were a gift from the system anyway, a reward for

he

36 A Proper

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because of it, then the

worth it.

"Target locked-Agnes Crowley."

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

and filled with bitterness.

for the

for the

for years. Even if I

their praise, I should

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 a thank-you?

up his coffee cup without flinching,

a calm facade.

Wow. She's really bitter.

her actions, but she was actively resenting the family for holding

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

it

really is planning

it-was this woman

They

a sliver of

A

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in

that hurt both sides.

for her. Not unless

wish.

believe she was that kind of

still eluded him. He had no choice

away.

everything these past years,” Agnes said aloud,

looking at her. She wasn't going to drag out

family long enough. A little dignity,

undeserved, cost nothing.

once this

this plan to work. Please, God,

sister hasn't found

fired her. Word got around. Someone made 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 even Mr. Vaughn can

Proper Introduction Wait-Mr.

hit like ice water

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So this whole

And Agnes' sister....

raced, and suddenly the pieces fell into place. Caroline

looked eerily similar to

They were sisters.

That explained everything.

this

scheme was deeper than he'd thought. He leaned back

trying not to miss a

voice in his mind wasn't

noise.

came through with

respectful