Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 181

Chapter 181

“That’s… good,” I managed, my voice strained.

“I’ll help too,” Oliver added quickly. “Between classes. And once I

graduate next month, I can be here more.”

I turned back, studying my cousin’s earnest face. He was just twenty-

two, should be enjoying his final year at university, not dealing with

all this shit.

“I’ll help you find a job after graduation,” I promised, my voice softer

now.

Wilson Industries occupied a sleek building in the financial district,

not as imposing as Stone Enterprises but still impressive. The

security desk directed me to the thirty–second floor, where Aiden

Wilson’s assistant–a prim woman with immaculate makeup–led me

straight to his office.

My stomach was in knots, and I discreetly wiped my sweaty palms

against my skirt before entering.

1/5

Chapter 182.

The next day, the morning sunlight streamed through the floor–to-

ceiling windows of Peak Restaurant, casting golden patterns across

our table. I straightened my spine, keeping my expression neutral as I

slid the contract across to Kayla. She sat across from me, her tablet

ready to take notes, representing Stone Enterprises with the same

efficiency she’d always shown. My palms were sweating, but I kept

them firmly planted on the table edge, refusing to show even a hint of

weakness.

Doub

market price is our final offer,” I said, my voice firm and

Stone Enterprises isn’t desperate for this deal, and

ilson Industries.”

Comments

Write Comments

凸2

✔ SHARE

5/5

Chapter 181.

“Professional differences,” I replied carefully, my leg bouncing

nervously under the desk.

Aiden leaned back, studying me. “Let’s cut the bullshit, Ms. Hale. You

don’t need to interview with me. Your reputation precedes you.”

I set my cup down, surprised by his directness, my eyebrows shooting

1. up. “I appreciate that, but-”

“I’ll offer you eighty percent of what Stone was paying you,” he

interrupted. “That’s the best I can do. We’re not quite as… profitable

as Stone Enterprises, but we’re growing.”

Eighty percent was more than I’d expected. Much more. I’d been

prepared to take a fifty percent cut if necessary. My heart skipped a

beat, and I had to fight to keep my expression neutral.

“That’s very generous,” I said cautiously, picking at my cuticle. “But

there’s something you should know.”

Aiden raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Drake is actively blacklisting me.” I met his gaze directly, my jaw

tight. “Hiring me could put you in his crosshairs.”

To my surprise, Aiden laughed. “Drake mentioned something about it

3/5

Chapter 181.

at the Moon Meeting last month. ” He waved a dismissive hand. “But

it’s been weeks. His attention span for vendettas isn’t that long unless

you really fucked him over.”

If he only knew. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my heart

pounding against my ribs.

384-313

“Still,” I pressed, my voice hardening, “he has a history of being…

territorial. Even when he claims to no longer want something.”

Aiden’s expression shifted, becoming more calculating. “Are you

warning me he might try to pressure me to fire you?”

“It’s a possibility.” I drummed my fingers against the armrest, trying

to appear calmer than I felt.

He shrugged. “Then I’ll fire you if it comes to that. You know how it

works. Wilson Industries can’t afford to get on Stone’s bad side.”

His honesty was refreshing, if brutal. I swallowed hard. “And if that

happens?”

“We’ll pay you per day worked,” he offered. “No severance, but no

notice period either. Clean break.”

I considered this for a moment, chewing on my lower lip until I tasted

4/5

Chapter 181.

blood. It wasn’t ideal, but it was better than nothing. And I needed

income–now.

“When can I start?” My voice came out steadier than I expected.

“Tomorrow.” He slid a contract across the desk. “Nine AM sharp.

Standard NDA, non–compete clause–though between us, that’s

unenforceable if Stone forces me to let you go.‘

I skimmed the document, my heart racing with a mixture of relief and

anxiety. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a job. Money for my mother’s

treatment.

“I’ll be here,” I said, signing my name with a steady hand that belied

the turmoil inside me.