Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 27

**Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**

**Chapter 27**

Ophelia stood there, her heart racing with a mix of confusion and irritation. She felt a growing sense of frustration welling up inside her, but she quickly forced herself to rein it in. “Mr. Caldwell,” she began, her voice steady but edged with tension, “that’s my personal business, too.”

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. “We’ve only crossed paths twice, and that hardly qualifies as a friendship. Even if you feel the need to sever ties with Zoe, it would be decent of you to show some compassion to someone who has actually lent you a hand. Taking your frustrations out on me isn’t justifiable.”

Ophelia had once believed that there was something genuine blossoming between Zoe and Alaric, but now she realized it was merely a figment of Zoe’s imagination.

She made it abundantly clear that Alaric was not her type, yet here he was, using her as a human shield against the fallout of his tangled emotions.

“Seems like you’re not interested in being friends with me, Ms. Rowle,” Alaric remarked, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. It was a novel experience for him; usually, people sought his company, not the other way around.

He stepped closer, leaning casually against the door frame behind her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “But I do want to be friends with you. Is that a crime?”

Ophelia’s expression darkened at his sudden proximity. Alaric had presented himself as a gentleman back at the hospital, and she had felt a flicker of gratitude for his assistance with Aaron. But now, he seemed to reveal himself as just another entitled playboy, hiding behind a mask of charm.

Her jaw tightened, and she swiftly jabbed a pressure point on his elbow, sending a sharp pulse of discomfort racing through his arm, compelling him to retract it immediately.

“Mr. Caldwell,” she snapped, her voice laced with indignation, “I accepted your money and completed your grandfather’s surgery. Our relationship is strictly professional, and it ends here.”

“You assisted me in dealing with Aaron, and I was initially thankful. But now, it appears you’re just another ordinary spoiled rich kid. I have no desire to engage in your emotional games.”

“And do not drag me into your mess with Zoe. If you attempt to use me as a shield again, I won’t hesitate to retaliate.” Her gaze flickered momentarily to his crotch, a silent but potent warning.

Had it been anyone else, she would have kicked them and walked away without a second thought. But she held back, remembering his help with Aaron, and decided to show him a modicum of respect.

“Just remember to choose your words wisely when we return. I don’t want anyone thinking we share a close bond,” she cautioned, her tone firm.

With that, Ophelia turned on her heel and strode confidently out of the lounge, leaving Alaric to ponder her words.

He rubbed his elbow, a bemused smile creeping across his face as he raised an eyebrow. Her fiery spirit intrigued him. ‘Is she truly afraid of the engagement looming over her head?’ he mused, the thought only deepening his curiosity about her.

Together, they made their way back to the dining area.

As Ophelia entered, Zoe couldn’t contain herself and blurted out, “Ophelia, what exactly is your relationship with Alaric?”

They had known each other for years, yet had never crossed that invisible line. And now, Ophelia had dared to cover his mouth just moments ago.

The scene ignited a blaze of jealousy within Zoe.

Noticing Zoe’s envious glare, along with the curious expressions from Dylan and Owen, Ophelia sighed, “There’s no relationship whatsoever. I don’t even consider us friends.”

That was precisely what Alaric had told Zoe before, but hearing it directly from Ophelia only fanned the flames of Zoe’s jealousy.

“What did you just say? You don’t even see him as a friend? Ophelia, you’re just trying to show off how close you are with him, aren’t you?” Zoe shot back, her voice laced with accusation.

‘Ophelia is clearly mocking me and calling me a liar. She once claimed she wouldn’t compete with me over Alaric, so why is she suddenly so cozy with him?’ Zoe thought, her mind racing.

Ophelia met Zoe’s furious gaze, fully aware that this confrontation was far from over.

At that moment, Alaric returned, striding confidently toward their table.

Ophelia swiftly intercepted him. “Mr. Caldwell, it seems Zoe has misunderstood our relationship. Could you clarify for her? We’ve only met three times in total, so we’re really not close.”

Her eyes held a steely glint, a silent threat lingering beneath her words; she needed Alaric to echo her sentiments. If their parents discovered that Zoe had been lying and was aware of her connection with Alaric, the engagement could very well become a reality for her.

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