Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168

I lifted the covers, revealing perfectly made pancakes, eggs, and

bacon. The care in the presentation made my chest ache. As I ate, I

texted Allen: “Thank you for breakfast. Sorry if I was a mess. I

probably owe you an entire distillery for putting up with me.”

Minutes passed with no response. My stomach twisted with

embarrassment. He was probably back at his office, busy with things

unrelated to my drama. Or worse, regretting getting involved with my

disaster of a life.

Later, I sat in a law office, fidgeting with my bracelet as I explained

the accident and online backlash. My hangover had subsided to a dull

throb, but my nerves were raw.

“You’re looking to leverage public opinion?” the lawyer asked, peering

over her glasses.

“Yes. They’re claiming my cousin was at fault.” My voice rose with

indignation, hands gesturing emphatically.

She turned her computer screen toward me.” Public opinion has

already shifted in your favor.”

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Chapter 168

I stared in disbelief, leaning forward so quickly I nearly knocked over

my water. The hospital had released a statement acknowledging

“management oversights.” Online forums were now filled with

sympathetic comments about Oliver and my family.

“I don’t understand,” I murmured, scrolling through the comments.

“Yesterday they were crucifying him like he was public enemy number

one.”

“Public opinion is fickle. Someone changed the narrative. Do you

have powerful friends?” Her pointed look made me shift

uncomfortably.

My phone rang as I was leaving–Marcus. I hesitated before

answering, bracing myself.

“The situation with your cousin has been handled,” he said without

preamble. “The online chatter will die down.”

“You did that?” I stopped walking, pressing the phone tighter to my

ear.

“The Black Obsidian pack takes care of its own. Despite recent…

complications, you remain under our protection.”

The reminder of the power difference between us settled like a stone

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Chapter 168

in my stomach. I leaned against a wall, suddenly needing the support.

“I appreciate the assistance,” I said, forcing my voice to remain

steady, “but I’d like to pay for Dr. Green’s compensation myself.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“It is to me, damn it.” I bit my lip, regretting the outburst.

“Come to dinner this Friday. Miranda has been asking about you.”

“I don’t think that would be appropriate-” My fingers tightened

around the phone.

“Friday at seven. Drake won’t be there–business trip to t

Coast.”

Vest

He ended the call before I could respond, leaving me staring at my

phone in frustration. “Fucking Stones and their fucking orders,” I

muttered to nobody.

Back at the apartment, I bought sunflowers from a street vendor, the

bright yellow petals a stark contrast to my mood. My hands trembled

slightly as I arranged them in a vase and sent a photo to Allen:

“Thank you again for breakfast. Saved my life and made my hangover

bearable.”

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Chapter 168

This time, my phone rang immediately. I fumbled it in my haste to

answer, nearly dropping it.

“How’s the head?” His voice was warm, sending an inexplicable flutter

through my chest.

“Better. The food helped.” I curled up on the couch, tucking my

under me. “Though I feel like I got hit by a truck that then backed up

to make sure the job was done.”

feet

He laughed, the sound soothing. “Have you thought about getting

away from Stone’s influence?”

“Allen, I don’t need help with the internet situation. It’s been taken

care of by Marcus.” I picked at a loose thread on the cushion,

conflicted emotions roiling in my stomach.

“Stone’s father? Not Drake himself?” The surprise in his voice made

me pause.

“No. Apparently Drake’s on a business trip.” I frowned, realizing how

strange that was.

“That’s… interesting. Why would the father step in instead of the

son?”

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Chapter 168

I hadn’t considered that. My grip tightened on the phone.

“Elsa,” Allen continued, his voice lowering, “be careful around the

Stones. They don’t do anything without a reason.”

“I know that better than anyone,” I replied, bitterness creeping into

my tone. “But thank you for the warning.”

After we hung up, I stared at the sunflowers, their cheerful faces.

mocking my apprehension. Allen was right. The Stones never did

anything without a purpose. Each move carefully calculated on their

human chessboard.

What the hell did they want from me now?

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