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.

Mabel would fall because of some accident or distraction? What if it's not about a dog

water and earning himself a debt of gratitude, it didn't matter how she

Chapter 37 Drone Crisis

behind the girl... was

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the air-faint at first, and then rising fast, from

and it hit him

in a sharp, sudden descent, heading straight for

That's how they'll

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,

next he was flying across the grass. He reached them in two strides and yanked both Mabel and Eloise

Crisis averted.

a man came tearing across the

Chapter 37 Drone Crisis

the Olympics.

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he was

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

"Granny! Are you okay?"

her first thought

whispered, brushing back Eloise's curls. "Don't

her daughter into her arms. "Are you

Mabel said, 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 back to

herself to breathe. If Mabel still had the spirit to make jokes, she

you alright, Madam

man-Preston, presumably-approaching

Mabel's expression turned cold the moment she saw him. "I'm

he Crisis

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mood had shifted. The drone had ruined everything. Eloise was shaken, and none of them

heavier than she looked. Alistair

"Let me take her."

to Caroline when upset. Sometimes, she even

Alistair and

her arms around his neck and nestled her chin on his shoulder, eyes closed,

Mabel blinked in surprise.

Maybe it

off, Preston watched the scene, grinding his

time trying to get Eloise to

Caroline's heart was through her

flat-out ignore him. He'd convinced himself it was just

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few trusted people. That

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

doesn't like anyone, then no one has the edge. Right? That just means I've

thought he had

Caroline brought this

with the idea that

close to her mother. That she kept her distance no matter who it was. But

clawed at him.

stormed forward.

Mabel stopped and turned.

darting away from Caroline's. "I... I came to

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

Preston's face went pale.

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nothing but finality in her words.

was scaled.