Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 295

Chapter 295-

The pitre a recognized Bruce immediately, bowing slightly before leading us to a secluded corner table. A bottle of red wine was already breathing in a

rtystal decanter:

I took the liberty of ordering a 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape, Bruce said as we sat down, his chest puffing slightly. “It’s exceptional.”

My expression must have stiffened at the sight of the wine, my eyes widening slightly and my lips pressing into a thin line, because Bruce’s eyebrows rose questioningly.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

Drake doesn’t like me drinking alcohol when I’m out with other men. The thought came unbidden, and I hated myself for it, my fingernails digging into my palms under the table. Drake had no fucking say in what I did anymore.

“I’m not much of a wine drinker,’ I lied, forcing my hands to relax. “Could I get sparkling water instead?”

“Of course.” Bruce’s smile was indulgent as he signaled the waiter. “Whatever makes you comfortable.”

Once our orders were placed-wagyu steak for him, sea bass for me-I decided to get straight to the point, shifting restlessly in my seat.

“Look, Bruce,” I began, my fingers nervously twisting my napkin under the table until it was nearly shredded. “I appreciate the dinner invitation, but I think we need to be clear about something. I’m not interested in dating anyone right now.”

上

Bruce chuckled, unaffected. “Are you trying to let me down gently, Elsa? Because if so, you should know I don’t give up that easily.”

“I’m not trying to be gentle. I’m being direct,” I said firmly, my voice taking on an edge that surprised even me. “You’re wasting your time.”

“Am I?” He leaned forward, his dark eyes gleaming with challenge. “Or are you just afraid of what Stone will do if you move on?”

I stiffened, my back going ramrod straight as heat flushed my cheeks. This has nothing to do with Drake,” I snapped, the words coming out louder than

intended.

“Everything in this city has to do with Drake, Bruce said with a shrug. “But if you’re that determined to stay single, maybe you should tell Allen the same

thing. He seems pretty invested in winning you over.”

My stomach clenched at the mention of Allen, and I felt a sudden wave of nausea. “Allen and I are just friends,’ I said, the words sounding hollow even to

my own ears.

“Sure,” Bruce said, smirking. “And I’m just a casual acquaintance taking you to a five-star restaurant because I admire your filing skills.”

I rolled my eyes, exasperated, drumming my fingers against the tablecloth. “What exactly do you want from me, Bruce?”

Before he could answer, our appetizers arrived-seared scallops for me, steak tartare for him. The interruption gave me a moment to collect myself, my hand trembling slightly as I reached for my water glass.

“You know,” Bruce continued after the server left, “I’ve been looking into that incident with your cousin Oliver. Nasty business, having his leg broken like

that.”

I set my fork down slowly, the metal clattering against the fine china as my appetite evaporated. ‘How the hell do you know about Oliver?’ I demanded, my voice barely controlled.

“I make it my business to know things,” he said simply. “Especially about people who interest me.”

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9:19 am P p pp

Chapter 295

What!

sppened to Oliver was an accident, I said, the fe feeling stiff on my tongue as my heart hammered against my ribs

Bruce laughed, the sound sharp and knowing. “Was it? Because my sources tell me it had something to do with Samuel Wright’s people. And Samuel doesn’t do anything without a reason.”

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alt

9:19 am P ppp.

Alpha’s Private Plaything

hapter 296

Elsa

I felt cold suddenly, despite the restaurant’s comfortable temperature, a chill spreading from my core to my Rogertips.

“What the fuck are you talking about? I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, fingers gripping the edge of the table so hard my knuckles turned white,

I’m talking about the real reason your cousin’s leg was broken,” Bruce said, leaning closer. “It was a message. Drake gutted Samuel’s business, forced the residents of Phoenix Village to relocate for that new development project. Allen broke Samuel’s leg retaliation. Then Samuel’s people went after your cousin.”

The restaurant seemed to tilt around me. Igripped the edge of the table, my breathing shallow and rapid as I struggled to process what Bruce was saying, “That’s… that can’t be true,” I stammered, feeling suddenly light-headed.

“Can’t it?” Bruce’s expression was almost pitying. “Wake up, Elsa. You’ve been swimming with sharks for a decade, and you still don’t recognize when you’re bleeding in the water.”

I stared at him, a strange calm settling over me, my body going eerily still. Maybe on some level, I’d always suspected there was more to Oliver’s ‘accident” than I’d been told. Maybe that’s why I hadn’t pushed for answers.

“Why are you telling me this?” I asked finally, my voice steadier than I felt.

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