Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 5

**TITLE: Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**
**Chapter 5: Shoulder Throw**

Ophelia found herself at a crossroads, one that required her to make a decision that could alter the course of her life. There was no logical reason to decline such a generous offer. “Alright,” she replied with a composed demeanor. “Then I’ll do my utmost.”

The moment she voiced her agreement, Alaric wasted no time. He swiftly signed a check and extended it toward her. “5 million dollars up front, Dr. Vossen. Please, take it.”

A flicker of surprise danced in Ophelia’s eyes, quickly replaced by a soft smile that radiated warmth and confidence. “Then I will gladly accept.”

Her smile was not just a mere gesture; it was a beacon of assurance. Alaric couldn’t help but feel the corners of his mouth lift in response, almost involuntarily.

There was something about her that was more than just her beauty; there was an allure that drew him in. He had heard whispers that she was the disowned foster daughter of the Vossen family, which only deepened his intrigue.

As if sensing the weight of his gaze, Ophelia instinctively averted her eyes, redirecting her attention to Zachary’s bedside. She began sifting through the reports left by Aaron, her focus unwavering.

“With just these test results, surgery isn’t possible yet,” she stated matter-of-factly, her voice steady. “I’ll arrange for a few more scans later. This medication—have him take it tonight.”

“It will alleviate the pain and help stabilize his condition prior to surgery. Right now, his body is too fragile. The earliest we can proceed with the operation is tomorrow.”

Her tone was calm, yet there was an undeniable confidence that belied her youth. She carried herself with the poise of a seasoned healer, far more experienced than many so-called experts.

Alaric found himself nodding, a gesture of agreement that felt instinctive. “Understood.”

Nearby, Ryan cast a quick glance at Alaric, taken aback by the scene unfolding before him.

This was a departure from the norm. Alaric, a man known for his cold, calculating demeanor in the business realm, was showing a trust that was unusual, even for him. Yet here he was, agreeing without a hint of doubt.

There was something about this young woman that was undeniably captivating.

After issuing a few more instructions, Ophelia concluded, “That’ll be all for now. I’ve operated at Dunhollow Hospital before, but last time, Connor handled all the paperwork for me as an external consultant.”

“Mr. Caldwell, I’ll be here early tomorrow. Please ensure that all arrangements are made properly—I don’t want anyone interfering with my surgery.”

Alaric’s lips curved into a slight smile, a rare expression that softened the usually sharp lines of his face. He knew precisely who she was alluding to. “Consider it done.”

When he smiled, the hard edges of his features seemed to melt away, revealing an effortless charm that made him almost devastatingly handsome.

Ophelia couldn’t shake the thought that he was the most striking man she had ever encountered.

Yet, she quickly gathered her composure, glancing at her watch before stating evenly, “I really must be going. Someone’s waiting for me at home. See you tomorrow, Mr. Caldwell. If there’s any emergency, feel free to call me at any time.”

She handed him a business card before making her exit.

Alaric looked down at the card, a cryptic smile playing on his lips, one that held secrets of its own.

However, Connor was not about to let the moment slip away. “Alaric, don’t you dare make a move on her,” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes. “I have plans for her to meet my grandson once I’m discharged. You stay out of this.”

As soon as Connor left the hospital, he was already plotting to introduce Ophelia to his grandson, determined to ensure that no one else could claim her attention.

Alaric chose silence, allowing a faint smile to linger on his face as he replied, “Connor, thank you. If it weren’t for you today, my grandfather might not have made it.”

Connor beamed with pride. “Damn right. If those incompetent doctors had operated on him, Zachary wouldn’t have even made it off the table.”

He turned to Zachary, a chuckle escaping his lips. “Guess God wants you alive today, old man. You’re quite lucky.”

Zachary rolled his eyes, his patience wearing thin. “You talk too damn much. Just go away.”

The two old men bickered like schoolboys, and Alaric shook his head in amusement before discreetly instructing Ryan, “Find out everything you can about Ophelia.”

‘If she has been disowned by the Vossen family, who exactly is waiting for her at home?’ he pondered, the thought lingering in the back of his mind. His instincts told him that Ophelia was anything but ordinary.

“Yes, sir.” Ryan nodded and promptly left to carry out his orders.

*****

As Ophelia descended the elevator to the lobby, she hoped for a quiet exit. However, fate had other plans. Aaron was waiting by the exit, his expression a storm of fury.

The moment he spotted her, he stormed forward, his voice trembling with rage. “Ophelia, you ruined everything for me. I’ll make you pay for this.”

All Aaron could think about was how his golden opportunity had been snatched away from him. Ignoring the public setting, he lunged at her, his hand raised, intent on grabbing her hair.

But before his fingers could even graze her, Ophelia reacted with lightning speed. In one fluid motion, she seized his wrist, pivoted her foot, and sent him flying over her shoulder. He crashed to the ground with a bone-jarring thud.

Rumor had it that the family residing here traced their lineage back hundreds of years—a dynasty of true power.

Ophelia could hardly fathom that Samuel had brought her to such a place.

Seeing her astonishment, Samuel stepped out and opened her door with a polite smile.

“Ms. Rowle,” he said warmly. “Shall we go in?”

“Alright,” Ophelia replied, rolling with the unexpected turn of events. She had encountered her share of luxury before, so she simply nodded, stepped out of the car, and followed Samuel toward the entrance.

As they approached, two lines of servants stood at attention on either side of the grand doorway.

The moment she stepped forward, they all bowed deeply in unison. “Welcome home, Ms. Rowle.”

Ophelia blinked in disbelief. ‘Home? This feels more like a palace than a house,’ she mused internally.

Just as she was about to cross the threshold, a sleek black Maybach pulled up behind them.

Curiosity piqued, she turned to watch as a girl, elegantly adorned in designer attire, stepped gracefully out of the car.

Samuel froze momentarily. “Zoe?”

Zoe Rowle was the daughter of Victoria Rowle’s sister. Back when Victoria believed her own child had perished in that tragic fire, she had been utterly devastated.

Then, her sister died during childbirth, a double blow that nearly shattered her spirit. Adrian Rowle had taken Zoe in as their adopted daughter, which became the lifeline that helped Mrs. Rowle regain her footing.

For years, Zoe had called Adrian and Victoria Mom and Dad, and everyone had treated her as the true heiress.

But recently, the truth had come to light—Ophelia had never died; she had simply been switched at birth.

Now, with both girls appearing at the same moment, the air was thick with tension.

Zoe seemed oblivious to Samuel’s discomfort. Instead, she smiled playfully. “Well, this was supposed to be a surprise,” she said. “Samuel, how’d you find out I came back early?”

She was meant to return from her two-week overseas program over the weekend, just in time for her grandfather’s party, but she had decided to come home ahead of schedule to prepare. What she hadn’t anticipated was running into Samuel the moment she arrived.