Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 28

**Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**
**Chapter 28**

Zoe stood frozen, her mind racing, her voice caught in her throat.

Unbeknownst to her, she had been crafting a vision of Alaric’s future bride in her mind, a perfect image that had been meticulously polished over time. Many had showered her with gifts, hoping to win her favor and secure their place in Alaric’s life.

Yet, as she reflected on it all, she realized that her contributions had been superficial at best. Flattering him here and there, sharing a few dates, and ensuring she was seen at social gatherings alongside him had merely been tactics to elevate her own status.

“I never really cared about any of this before. Honestly, I didn’t take the engagement seriously at all. But now, I’ve had a change of heart,” Alaric confessed, his voice steady but laced with an intensity that made Zoe’s heart race.

His gaze flickered toward Ophelia, and in that moment, a flurry of thoughts invaded his mind—thoughts spurred by Ryan’s investigative files that had revealed tantalizing glimpses of Ophelia’s past.

Much of the information seemed deliberately obscured or wiped clean, but Alaric could not ignore the brilliance she exuded. Her medical expertise, her impressive academic accolades, and the multitude of awards she had garnered both locally and internationally told him she was anything but ordinary.

He was determined to uncover the hidden layers of her identity, even if it took time. Until then, he resolved to keep her close; such exceptional talent was far too precious to let slip away.

If it hadn’t been for his grandfather’s deteriorating health, he would have severed the engagement without a second thought. His original plan had been to wait until his grandfather was well enough to handle the news, but now, urgency no longer plagued him.

With a slight inclination of his head, he leaned in closer to Ophelia, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, “Once my grandfather is out of the hospital, I’ll clarify everything with him. The engagement will be returned to its rightful place. Don’t you agree, Ms. Rowle?”

Ophelia’s expression darkened instantly, a storm brewing behind her eyes. This was her worst nightmare manifesting before her very eyes.

She despised the notion of being tethered down, loathed the idea of being controlled.

And here was Alaric, seemingly intent on using the engagement to ensnare her.

Their gazes locked, and she offered him a cold, mocking smile. “That depends entirely on your capabilities, Mr. Caldwell. If you truly wish to be the man by my side, you’d best be prepared to meet the challenge.”

With a flicker of defiance, she thought to herself, *As if these little games could truly keep me bound to him.*

Unbeknownst to her, her taunting words had sparked a competitive fire within Alaric.

“Very well. We shall see about that,” he replied, a confident smirk playing on his lips. “I won’t trouble you any longer today, but when next we meet, Ms. Rowle, I suggest you come ready.” With that, he settled back into his seat, a sense of triumph radiating from him.

Ophelia shot him a fierce glare as he turned away. “This arrogant jerk is truly intolerable,” she muttered under her breath, her appetite for the sashimi before her evaporating entirely.

Zoe mirrored her lack of enthusiasm, slumping in her chair, her thoughts consumed by Alaric’s words about returning the engagement to its rightful owner.

*Could I still hold onto this marriage?* she pondered, anxiety gnawing at her insides.

What had begun as a delightful dinner had devolved into a dismal affair. Even Owen and Dylan barely touched their food, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken tensions.

After the meal, Zoe nearly forgot to settle the bill until Owen’s voice broke through her haze. “Zoe, it’s time to take care of the check.”

Upon seeing the total, her heart plummeted further.

*What kind of bad luck has befallen me today? Not only did Alaric humiliate me, but now I’m stuck with this bill?* Her spirits plummeted as she swiped her credit card, frustration boiling over as she stormed out of the hotel, leaving the others behind.

As the four siblings exited, Sebastian couldn’t help but chuckle, glancing at Alaric, who was still savoring his wine with an air of satisfaction.

“You’re quite the character, you know that? This is the first time I’ve seen you so enamored with a woman, boldly claiming her in front of her family. Truly legendary,” he teased, a playful glint in his eye.

Sebastian even contemplated recording the moment for posterity, a keepsake of this unprecedented display of emotion from Alaric.

Alaric offered a slight smile, “My grandfather and Mr. Rowle’s side are quite formidable. If I’m going to marry, I’d rather choose someone who genuinely piques my interest.”

In comparison to Zoe, Ophelia was both captivating and resourceful.

At least, he mused, she could take care of his grandfather’s health in the future.

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