Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 44

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**Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**

**Chapter 44**

“Ophelia, what an unexpected pleasure to see you here,” Alaric said, his lips curling into a charming smile that seemed to light up his entire face.

“Don’t call me that,” Ophelia shot back, her brows knitting together in annoyance. The chill in her voice could have frozen the air around them. “Every time I run into you, it feels like I’m inviting bad luck into my life.” In her mind, she added a silent plea: *I really wish I could avoid him for good.* “It’s been ages since we last met, and this is the kind of welcome I receive?” Alaric continued, feigning helplessness, his tone dripping with mock sincerity.

Ophelia felt a twitch at the corner of her mouth, a reflex to smile that she quickly suppressed. Rolling her eyes, she retorted, “If I’m not mistaken, we crossed paths just two days ago.”

Unfazed by her sharp words, Alaric merely shrugged, his expression unfaltering. “Ah, but they say a day apart can feel like an eternity, don’t they?”

With a long, measured breath, Ophelia fought against the impulse to lash out physically, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. “Mr. Caldwell, your little charade is wearing thin,” she declared, her voice as cold as ice.

Alaric chuckled, clearly entertained by her irritation. “So ruthless, Ophelia. It’s almost admirable.”

For a fleeting moment, his grin caught her off guard, and she couldn’t help but acknowledge that he possessed a certain charm that could disarm even the most guarded of hearts. *If only that sly personality of his didn’t overshadow it all,* she mused, shaking her head internally.

Determined to create distance, Ophelia stepped closer to her brother Dylan, deliberately placing him between herself and Alaric. The subtle shift didn’t go unnoticed; Alaric’s eyes darkened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features.

“Ophelia,” he called out suddenly, raising his voice just enough to draw the attention of those nearby, “the restaurant we visited the other day? It’s fantastic! How about I take you all there again after this?”

Her cold glare pierced through him. *So this is your game, trying to create misunderstandings with my brothers, is it?* she thought, her mind racing with indignation.

“Ophelia, why did you have dinner with Mr. Caldwell?” Owen interjected, his eyes wide with curiosity. “Didn’t you mention that you two barely knew each other? The last time you saw him, it was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t exactly friendly.”

“It was merely a coincidence,” Ophelia replied, her tone flat as she fabricated an excuse on the spot. There was no way she would reveal that the dinner had been a gesture of gratitude; that would only complicate matters further.

“I see,” Owen replied, his brow furrowing as he turned to glare at Alaric. “Mr. Caldwell, perhaps you should skip the dinner this time. We’re here to help Ophelia pick a car, not to socialize.”

Alaric’s gaze shifted to Owen, and despite the boy’s youth, he stood his ground with a boldness that belied his size. It was clear he was doing his best to protect Ophelia from any potential discomfort.