Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard)

Chapter 37

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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.

What if it's not about a dog

with Preston pulling Mabel out of the water and earning himself a debt of

Chapter 37 Drone Crisis

girl...

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filled the air-faint at first, and

up, and it hit him all

the sky in a

That's how they'll do

lake. And right on cue, Preston would "miraculously" arrive to pull her out-earning himself a permanent seat at the Ashbourne table. The drone was nearly on her now. Mabel flinched, already stumbling back.

and yanked both Mabel

Crisis averted.

on schedule, a

Chapter 37 Drone Crisis

sprinter at the Olympics.

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right, he was Preston, the

mess of panic and frustration. He didn't even have time to hide. it. Alistair had

"Granny! Are you okay?"

shaking, but her first

brushing back Eloise's curls. "Don't

her daughter into

stealing a glance at the lake. "Thanks to Alistair. Otherwise, I'd be out here giving the fish a bath-and at my age, I'm not sure I'd've made it

finally allowed herself to breathe. If Mabel still had the spirit

alright, Madam

young man-Preston, presumably-approaching

Mabel's expression turned cold the moment she

he Crisis

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shifted. The drone had ruined everything. Eloise was

heavier than she looked. Alistair stepped forward, holding

"Let me take her."

Eloise clung to Caroline when

today, she looked at Alistair

nestled her chin on

Mabel blinked in surprise.

Maybe it really has

watched the

trying to get

to Caroline's heart was through

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

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few trusted people.

Caroline had one non-negotiable when it came to

doesn't like anyone, then no one has the edge. Right?

had

brought this

he comforted himself with

kept her distance no matter who it was. But this man-this complete nobody-had somehow made it past her defenses. Eloise had accepted him.

at him.

forward.

Mabel stopped and turned.

from Caroline's.

don't show up again." Her face was unreadable, but her stunning. beauty still hit like

Preston's face went pale.

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in her

was scaled.

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