Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Chapter 90

“Mr. Blackwell,” Ophelia greeted with measured politeness. “I’m only here at Mr. Caldwell’s request to check on his grandfather’s recovery.” She kept her explanation deliberately neutral, hoping to curb any speculation.

“What about me?” Connor feigned offense. “Have you forgotten this old man so easily?”

“Of course not,” she replied, her smile softening. “I planned to visit you right after examining Mr. Zachary Caldwell. I simply didn’t expect you’d be here already.”

“Much better,” Connor declared, satisfied.

Leaning closer, he lowered his voice. “So? Did you meet my grandson? Quite the impressive young man, isn’t he?”

Ophelia maintained her diplomatic tone. “We were introduced. Thank you for arranging that, Mr. Blackwell.”

“Don’t just thank me. Consider what I proposed. Declan would suit you perfectly. Far better than Zachary’s grandson, who’s all business and no warmth,” he added in a theatrical whisper.

Though spoken quietly, the remark carried clearly across the room.

Alaric’s expression tightened. ‘She’s already met Mr. Blackwell’s grandson?’ he wondered.

The memory of Declan, polished, accomplished, and precisely the kind of man elders approved of, stirred an unexpected irritation within him.

“Mr. Blackwell,” Alaric interjected, his tone cool but controlled, “I thought we agreed on fair competition. Resorting to character assassination seems rather beneath you.”

“Merely stating facts,” Connor retorted, entirely unrepentant.

To him, Alaric would always be that emotionally unavailable workaholic who preferred balance sheets to human

connection.

Knowing better than to show disrespect to his grandfather’s old friend, Alaric turned to Ophelia instead. “Shall we go see my grandpa now?”

She responded with a sharp glance that clearly warned him against presuming familiarity.

Choosing to ignore her silent reproach, Alaric addressed Zachary directly. “Grandpa, look who’s come to see you, Ophelia.”

The deliberate use of her first name made Ophelia stiffen. The casual intimacy in his tone practically invited misunderstandings.

“You must be the granddaughter Tristan’s always going on about.” Zachary’s eyes lit up as they fell on Ophelia, genuine appreciation flashing in his gaze.

No wonder Tristan had been hesitating about the marriage arrangement. Ophelia clearly possessed both intellect and elegance.

When Tristan had called him last week, he’d suggested giving the young people more time, never outright mentioning canceling the engagement, though that was clearly the implication.

But seeing Ophelia now, Zachary felt certain this marriage shouldn’t be called off.

His eyes shifted meaningfully toward Alaric, who responded with a slight frown and a helpless shrug, as if to say he’d done all he could.

Zachary shot him an exasperated look, thinking he’d been completely useless.

Alaric’s expression turned even more frustrated, his eyes insisting he’d truly tried everything.

Unnoticed by Ophelia, the silent exchange between the two men had already concluded.

Having regained her professional composure, she moved to the bedside. “How have you been feeling these past few days, Mr. Zachary Caldwell?” she inquired softly while beginning her examination.

“Thanks to you, I feel nearly recovered,” Zachary responded with a warm smile. “When I heard how you handled that surgery, it’s no exaggeration to say you pulled me back from death’s doorstep.”

Completing her assessment, Ophelia stepped back. “Your condition has stabilized, but you’ll need continued rest. I’ll prepare some medications for you. Please be consistent with them.”

When discussing medical matters, her demear Successfully unlocked! sionalism. Though her expression remained clinically detached, there was a compelling quality to her concentrinon that commanded attention.

Alaric observed her with unwavering focus, his gaze intent.

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Chapter 90

Connor, growing slightly impatient, interjected, “Finished here, sweetheart?”

At Ophelia’s nod, he pressed, “Then would you mind checking on me now? You did promise to look in on me.” He was determined to steer her away before any rapport could develop between her and Alaric.

“Of course,” she agreed before turning back to Zachary. “I’ll take my leave now, sir. I’ll check on you again soon.”

Her departure with Connor appeared perfectly natural as if her visit had been purely professional, with no underlying implications.

Zachary sighed softly as she left.

“Only one meeting, and you’re already so taken with her?” Alaric remarked, masking his surprise with casual irony.

He recognized Ophelia’s qualities, but hadn’t anticipated she’d make such an impression on his grandfather.

“Enough with the sarcasm. Have you not noticed how both Connor and Tristan treat her like a precious gem? And frankly, I find the young lady quite exceptional.” After decades of judging character, Zachary trusted his instincts completely.

“Which is precisely why I’m going to court my future wife,” Alaric retorted, already turning toward the door.

“Don’t count your chickens,” Zachary called after him. “She might not be your wife at all.”

The remark struck home. Once again, Alaric found himself being dismissed by his own grandfather.

*****

Meanwhile, no sooner had Connor returned to his room with Ophelia than he eagerly inquired, “So, how did everything go

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