Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 302

Chapter 302

Flsa

Zoe’s smile widened victoriously. “Perfect! I know just the place.”

Hours later, I stood frozen outside The Hearth & Table. My colleagues milled around uncertainly, sensing that something was wrong. I felt the blood drain from my face, my pulse throbbing in my temples.

Is everything okay?” one of them asked hesitantly.

Before I could answer, Zoe stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with malicious delight. “This is the best restaurant in the business district. All the executives from both companies dine here.” She turned to me with mock concern. “Fifty thousand for the night shouldn’t be a problem for you, right? I mean, that’s just one project bonus for Elsa.”

My face burned with humiliation. This was a setup, designed to either bankrupt me or force me to admit I couldn’t afford such extravagance. Either way, I’d lose face.

This is beyond my budget,” I said firmly, my voice dropping to a dangerous low. My hands were shaking with anger, and I shoved them into my pockets. “I’m happy to take everyone to Rosewood Café or Angelo’s, but this-” I gestured at the elegant facade, exceeds what I can reasonably spend as a new employee.”

Zoe’s expression hardened. “Wow, I guess Moonlight staff aren’t important enough for you to make an effort. Maybe you still think

you’re too good for us since you came from Stone Enterprises?”

Go fuck yourself, I wanted to scream. My chest tightened as I struggled to maintain my composure.

Before I could defend myself, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

Actually, I’ll be hosting tonight.”

Bruce stepped into our circle, his presence commanding immediate attention. He and power, and his smile was razor-sharp as he addressed Zoe.

wore

a

perfectly tailored suit that screamed money

Tell me, exactly what position do you hold that gives you the right to harass

His voice dropped to a

menacing whisper.

Zoe blanched, her smug expression crumbling as she took an involuntary step back. She clearly wasn’t expecting someone of Bruce’s stature to intervene. “I was just following company tradition-

Are you familiar with the Omega Protection Act, Section 12?” Bruce interrupted, his voice deceptively casual. “It specifically prohibits workplace harassment based on physiological status. You might want to review it before Joseph hears about this little

incident.

you’d all join me for dinner. Except He turned to the rest of the group, his demeanor shifting to gracious host. “I’d be delighted if you,” he added, looking directly at Zoe. “I don’t feel like extending my hospitality to someone who’d target a new colleague. You

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Chapter 302

don’t mind, do you?”

The dismissal was delivered with such smooth authority that Zoe could only mutter something unintelligible before stalking away. throwing one last venomous glance in my direction.

I should have felt relieved, but Bruce’s intervention left me feeling hollow. My shoulders slumped as the adrenaline drained from my body. Once again, I was being rescued, traded from one controlling alpha to another. The irony wasn’t lost on me.

Out of the fucking frying pan and into the fire, I thought grimly.

Inside The Hearth & Table, I followed Bruce and my colleagues to a private dining room. My steps were leaden, each one requiring deliberate effort. As we passed through the main dining area, my eyes were drawn to a massive crystal fish tank that served as a room divider. Through the shimmering water and exotic fish, I caught a glimpse of a familiar profile at a corner table.

Drake.

His cold blue eyes met mine through the aquarium, distorted by water but unmistakably intense. Even from across the room, I could feel his displeasure radiating like a physical force. My breath caught in my throat, and I nearly stumbled. Had he seen Bruce escort me in? Of course he had.

I quickly looked away, my heart hammering against my ribs. Sweat beaded at the nape of my neck despite the restaurant’s cool air.

This day was getting worse by the minute.

In the private room, Bruce ordered lavishly-expensive wines, multiple courses, delicacies that cost more than I made in a day. My

colleagues were impressed, their earlier discomfort forgotten in the face of such generosity. I picked at my food, pushing it around

my plate, too anxious to enjoy it. My stomach twisted into painful knots.

“To Elsa,” Bruce announced, raising his glass once the main course had been served/ “The most captivating woman I’ve ever met.”

The others raised their glasses, some exchanging knowing looks. Bruce leaned closer to me, his cologne overwhelming my senses, making me want to gag. His voice was pitched for the table to hear.

ready to settle down now. I’ve been looking for the right woman, and I believe “I know I’ve had a reputation in the past, but I’m that’s you.” He took my hand in his, ignoring my attempt to pull away. His grip tightened, his thumb caressing my knuckles in a way that made my skin crawl. “Would you consider giving me a chance? Just one date?

The table erupted in encouraging murmurs. “Go for it!” “Say yes!” “You two would make a gorgeous couple!”

I felt trapped, cornered by Bruce’s public declaration and the expectation of my new colleagues. My chest tightened until breathing became difficult. Shit, shit, shit. His eyes held that calculating gleam I’d come to recognize he knew exactly what he was doing, putting me on the spot where refusing would make me seem cold and ungrateful.

Just as I opened my mouth to respond, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced at it under the table and saw it was my medication reminder alarm. My shoulders sagged with relief. The perfect excuse.

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