Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard)

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The sky was clear, the clouds sparse, and the water shimmered under the midday

sun.

By the lake, the open lawn buzzed with life. Children flew kites, dogs tugged at leashes, and couples strolled lazily along the winding paths.

Willow branches drooped over the shore, tipped with new spring leaves, and trees Alistair couldn't name burst with white and blush-pink blossoms. The air smelled fresh and sweet- grass, petals, sunlight.

Eloise bounced along the rustic wooden bridge, holding Mabel's hand and giggling with each step.

Alistair followed Caroline at a measured pace, his expression relaxed, but every muscle in his body coiled tight. His senses. were sharpened to a point-ears tuned for disruption, eyes flicking over every shadow.

It might've been spring, but the lake water was still freezing.

If someone as sturdy as him fell in, he'd likely get sick. Mabel, elderly and fragile, would fare far worse.

Preston, that smug little opportunist, he'd really risk her life just to play hero? Chapter 37 Drone Crisis

There were people scattered along the lake's edge-fishing, walking, chatting-but Alistair was certain Preston was somewhere nearby. If he wanted to swoop in at the perfect moment and save the day, he couldn't be far.

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Alistair's gaze swept the scene. A man in a fisherman's hat sat nearby, watching his line.

Another young couple laughed and flirted beneath a blossoming tree. None of them screamed "Preston Vaughn," but that didn't matter. He'd never seen the man. Neither had Caroline-at least not well enough to recognize him.

If I can't pick him out, I'll just keep watch. He won't get the chance.

What Alistair couldn't figure out was how Preston planned. to pull it off. How could he push Mabel into the lake without

raising suspicion?

It had to be subtle, deniable, a freak accident...

An out-of-control dog? A runaway kite? A sudden shove disguised as chaos?

Beside him, Caroline caught his constant scanning and tilted her head. "Are you bored?"

He shook his head. "No. The view's actually... really beautiful."

She hesitated, clearly wanting to say more, and then let it go. Chapter 37 Drone Crisis

If he wasn't ready to open up, she wasn't going to pry.

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Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was weighing on him.

It's going to take time. I knew that from the start.

Then Alistair caught movement. The man in the fisherman's

hat stood and began walking-straight toward them. Slowly and casually.

That's him. It has to be. The timing's too perfect.

Alistair's instincts flared.

The area was calm. No loose dogs. No kites. Mabel was still within his line of sight, and aside from standing too close to the edge, she wasn't in any obvious danger. Yet.

Then a girl-small, waifish-started weaving her way toward the bridge, her gait loose and a bit odd.

At this point, anyone or anything-approaching the area was at potential threat in Alistair's eyes.

fall because of some accident or distraction? What if it's not

the water and

Chapter 37 Drone Crisis

the girl... was someone

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the air-faint at first, and

and it hit him all at

sky in

That's how

arrive to pull her out-earning himself a permanent seat at the Ashbourne table. The drone was nearly on her

he was watching, and the next he was flying across the grass. He reached them in two strides and yanked both Mabel and Eloise back just as the drone smacked into

Crisis averted.

a man

Chapter 37 Drone Crisis

the Olympics. He was

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he was Preston, the same

frustration. He didn't even have time to hide. it. Alistair had beaten him to the punch-and

"Granny! Are you okay?"

her first thought was still

alright, sweetheart," Mabel whispered, brushing back Eloise's curls.

pulling her daughter into her

Alistair. Otherwise, I'd be out here giving the fish a bath-and at my age, I'm not sure I'd've made

herself to breathe. If Mabel still had

alright, Madam

man-Preston, presumably-approaching now, his voice

cold the moment she saw

he Crisis

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had ruined everything. Eloise was shaken, and none of

she was heavier than she looked. Alistair stepped forward, holding out

"Let me take her."

to Caroline when upset. Sometimes, she even rejected

looked at Alistair and leaned toward him without

wrapped her arms around his neck and nestled her

Mabel blinked in surprise.

it really has to

off, Preston watched the scene, grinding his

trying to get

the way to Caroline's heart was through

Eloise would flinch, duck, or flat-out ignore him. He'd convinced himself it was just

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responding to a few trusted people. That

non-negotiable when it came to choosing a partner- her daughter

anyone, then no one has the edge. Right? That

thought he had

brought this

first, he comforted himself with the idea that Eloise

guy who tried to get close to her mother. That she kept her distance no matter who

clawed at him. The

forward.

Mabel stopped and turned.

hesitated, eyes darting away from

up again." Her face was unreadable, but her stunning. beauty still

Preston's face went pale.

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in her words.

was scaled.