Chapter 9
Mabel’s voice, soft and deliberate, hit like the chime of bells in the quiet air. Her words sank deep into Oscar Bishop’s mind.
Oscar’s expression was calm and statuesque like a Renaissance painting. His face barely shifted when she spoke of fulfilling their engagement. The only sign of life was a faint, enigmatic curve at the edge of his lips.
Vincent, it’s okay,” he said smoothly, his voice carrying its usual calm elegance.
Vincent Hook, ever the professional, didn’t stand in Mabel’s way. With a slight bow, he stepped aside, his gesture granting her passage without further delay,
Freed by his permission, Mabel let her emotions burst forth like a dam breaking. She marched straight to him, her restraint crumbling, and wrapped her arms around him in a fierce embrace.
Vincent’s sharp intake of breath broke the silence. “Sir-
For a moment, Oscar’s polished facade wavered. His hands hovered mid–air, frozen as if unsure whether to console her or maintain his distance.
Vincent, though startled, knew better than to intervene. He had served Oscar long enough to understand got close to Oscar Bishop unless he allowed it.
And Mabel? She wasn’t just close – she was wrapped around him like a lifeline.
Oscar’s gaze softened, though confusion lingered behind his striking eyes.
I one thing: no one
Mabel’s behavior baffled him. Not long ago, she had fought tooth and nail to reject their engagement. Her defiance had been unwavering. her refusals a constant drumbeat. Now, here she was, her attitude flipped completely, seeking him out like he was her safe harbor.
Had it been anyone else, Oscar would have dismissed them outright, assuming manipulation or deceit.
But Mabel was different. Her warmth disarmed him.
She was the only one who had dared defy him, the only one who had pushed him away – time and time again.
And yet, no matter how she resisted or what words she hurled lus way, she had always held a peculiar power over him. One look of regret from her could melt the fortress he built around his heart.
Now, her trembling frame pressed against him, her tears dampening his shirt. He could feel her shoulders shake and sense the storm of emotions she was holding back.
She was crying.
A strange, unshakable sorrow swept through Oscar, an ache that seemed to echo her own. Her pain wrapped around his heart and squeezed tight.
He wasn’t sure why she changed so suddenly, but in that moment, none of it mattered.
All he could sense was her pain an unspoken anguish, a loneliness that felt as vast as it was unfair.
The someone give you a hard time?” Oscar asked softly, his voice tinged with an uncharacteristic gentleness as he patted her
bark.
Mabel clung to him harder, her tears spilling faster. She wasn’t crying for sympathy or drama; it was for the fear she had overcome and the joy she thought she had lost forever.
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Chapter 9
When she finally looked up, her face was streaked with tears, her eyes swollen and vulnerable. Meeting his gaze, she whispered through trembling lips, “Yes”
“Vincent. Oscar said with deadly calm..
Vincent was standing nearby in silent vigilance. He replied instantly. “At your service, sir.”
“Get rid of the Harper family and the Preston family. Every last one of them, Oscar commanded.
His order was steady, leaving no room for hesitation or interpretation. It was a declaration, cold and absolute.
Vincent snapped to attention, his voice firm. Understood, sir.”
–
Oscar didn’t need to ask who had wronged Mabel; he already knew.
She was just a teenage girl with a modest circle of social connections. If someone had dared to hurt her, the culprits could only be the Harper family or the Preston family.
He had every detail about them committed to memory. The Harpers were nobodies, a family clinging to mediocrity. The Prestons? Their failing business was hanging by a thread. Crushing them wouldn’t even be a challenge – it would be effortless, like stepping on a bug.
And if they had dared to upset her? They didn’t deserve to breathe another day.
That was who Oscar Bishop was: commanding, merciless, and quick to act.
People didn’t just respect him; they feared him.
But then, Mabel’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Don’t.”
“Why?” His brow arched, curiosity mingling with disbelief. “You don’t want me to get rid of them for you?”
To his unter shock, she replied decisively, “No, I don’t.”
Oscar’s sharp intake of breath was audible. His calm facade cracked, letting his anger simmer to the surface. “Sorry for who? Your so–called parents? That sister who despises you? Or…” His tone turned icy, his words like daggers… that pathetic fiancé you ran to before?”
His eyes narrowed dangerously.
Standing off to the side. Vincent stiffened. Very few dared to provoke Oscar- and even fewer lived to tell the tale.
But Mabel? She didn’t even flinch. Meeting Oscar’s piercing gaze, her voice was steady but warm. “I don’t want you to risk yourself for me.” She paused, her expression hardening. “Those people? I won’t forgive them. Not a single one. But it take
care of them MYSELF.
Her conviction softened the edges of her words, wrapping around him like a soothing balm. For the first time in what felt like forever, Oscar’s walls began to crack.
She had him completely undone, and Oscar felt it
For years, Oscar had believed himself untouchable, above weakness. But now, standing before this girl, he knew the truth she could unravel him with a single sentence.
A rare smile tugged at his lips as he reached out, his calloused fingers brushing against her soft cheek. His voice, once so cold, softened to an unfamiliar warmth. “Whenever you need me just say the word.”
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Chapter 9
Thank you. I promise will; Mabel nodded, her gentle smile lighting up her face.
Vincent was stunned. In all his years, he’d never seen Oscar like this soft, tender, vulnerable. Whatever spell Mabel had cast, it was unbreakable.
“Oscar,” Mabel murmured, her voice sweet and steady as she leaned closer, “wait for me a little longer. When I reclaim my place as the Barrett family heiress, I’ll marry you. Okay?”
Oscar’s fingers toyed with a loose strand of her hair, his movements deliberate, his eyes unreadable. He responded slowly. his words measured. “Really? You promise?”
He hadn’t forgotten her hesitation in the past, the fear in her eyes whenever she looked at him. He still remembered her declaration, full of defiance, that she’d marry no one but Matthew.
But now, her answer came without hesitation. I promise,” she said firmly, her eyes brimtning with affection and resolve. “As long as you stay true to me. I’ll never let you down.”
Mabel was no longer the powerless girl she had been in her past life. This time, she vowed to take control of her destiny – her wealth, her happiness all of it would be hers to command.
A soft breeze ruffled her hair, the loose strands brushing against his fingers, sending a faint tickle that stirred something deep inside him.
Oscar had always hated unnecessary physical contact, but with her, it was different. Everything about her drew him in, making him loathe to let go.
His hand caressed her face with a rare gentleness as he locked eyes with her, his voice low and solemn. “Maybelle, I promise
I will never let you down.”
Night blanketed the Harper family home, but the tension inside was electric.
Rhea paced the living room like a caged cat, her jealousy burning through her veins.
She couldn’t accept it – the tiara she had coveted had ended up in Mabel’s hands. The nerve! She wanted to storm into Mabel’s room, snatch it off her shelf, and make it hers like she always did.
After all, SHE was the rightful daughter of the Harper family. Mabel was just an orphan they’d taken in out of pity. ‘Mabel should be grateful, Rhea thought bitterly. My family gave her a roof over her head; the least she can do is hand over whatever I want.
But Mabel wasn’t as naive as she used to be. Anticipating Rhea’s jealousy, she’d locked her door before leaving the house.
Rhea fumed. Her foot hovered over the door, ready to kick it in, when Beatrice grabbed her arm. “Not now,” Beatrice warned, her tone low and urgent. “Everything hinges on Mabel signing that document in a few days. You can’t upset her right now.”
“But Mom!” Rhea whined, her voice cracking with frustration. “How can you keep taking ber side? I’m your REAL daughter!”
Her anger simmered as she thought back to Mabel’s smug face earlier that day. Mabel had been so confident, so untouchable. Now, she was probably out with Matthew, basking in the attention of her fiance. The idea made Rhea’s stomach
churn
Beatrice sighed, trying to calm her. “Sweetheart, it’s just a tiara. Let it go. When Mabel gets back, I’ll talk to her. I’ll make sure she hands it over. Alright?”
Rhea huffed but didn’t answer.
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It wasn’t just the tiara. She wanted EVERYTHING. Her rightful place, her wealth, her love every little thing Mabel had stolen from her. And she wouldn’t stop until she got it back.
Their heated moment was interrupted by a maid rushing into the room.
“Ma’am. Miss, Mr. Matthew Preston is here.”
“What?” Rhea spun around, her face lighting up in disbelief.
Beatrice looked just as stunned. “Matthew? Why would he be here? Wasn’t he out with Mabel?*
