Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 308

Chapter 308

Elsa

Joseph sat behind his massive oak desk, his expression glacial. His dark hair was impeccably styled, and his tailored must emphasized his t right now, all I could focus on was the disappointment and anger radiating from him.

“Mr. Moonlight,’ I began, fighting to keep my voice steady, “I can explain-

“Sit down, Hale,” he interrupted, his voice like ice. He waited until I’d lowered myself into the chair across from him before continuing 1 just received from Mr. Jones. He’s reconsidering our partnership.”

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly desert-dry. “Sir, there was an incident outside-*

“I’m well aware of what happened,” Joseph cut in. “Security footage captured the entire spectacle! Stone’s assistant caused a seene, and instead

the situation professionally, you allowed it to escalate to the point where our client felt uncomfortable proceeding with business.”

My fingers unconsciously gripped the sleeve of my blazer, pinching the fabric between my thumb and forefinger se fightly I nearly tone it. I called security as soon as-”

“Ms. Hale. His tone was deadly calm now, which was somehow worse than if he’d yelled. “I’ve never inquired about your personal relationships, nor who you associate with outside of this office. But when your personal drama spills over and affects Moonlight’s business relationships? That’s wh the line.”

The shame burned hot in my chest, spreading like wildfire through my veins. “It won’t happen again, sir.”

“No, it won’t,” he agreed coldly. “Because if it does, you’ll be looking for a new position. I hired you based on your reputation for professionalism and your connections with Stone Enterprises’ clients. If those connections are going to cause more harm than good, then perhaps this arrangement needs to be reconsidered.”

I nodded, unable to trust my voice, a muscle twitching involuntarily in my jaw

“You’ll forfeit this month’s bonus,” he continued, “and I expect you to personally reach out to lones to salvage the deal. If you cast sign hom

the week, there will be further consequences.”

“Yes, sir. I understand.” My voice came out barely above a whisper.

“That will be all.”

1 rose on shaky legs and left his office, barely maintaining my composure until I reached the women’s restroom. Once inside a stall. I pressed my per against the cool metal door and took several deep breaths, my entire body trembling. My career, the one thing I had worked so goddamn band to his in jeopardy because of Drake’s obsessive assistant

“That fucking bitch,” I growled, slamming my palm against the stall door. That goddamn psychotic bitch.

I could practically see Exima’s smug smile, the triumph in her eyes as she deliberately sabotaged me i wanted to gran her by that hair and slam her face into a wall.

The violent thought startled me I wasn’t usually prone to such imagery, but my professional guide had taken 4 various but I’d never been reprimanded for a work failure before. My competence had always been my shield, the one thing pa ane could take away Enam me

Back al my desk, I yanked open my drawer and pulled out my phone, my fingers shaking with rage. I opened my messaging app and started tu Drake, deleting and retyping several times as my fury built.

Stone, control your new woman. Il Ema shows up at my workplace again causing scenes, I’m calling the fucking police. I’m not your shield exes anymore. Handle your shit.

I hit send before I could reconsider, then dropped my phone into my drawer with such force that it bounced against the sides. Let him deal with created. I ran my fingers through my hair, tugging at the rook in frustration.

My desk phone rang, and I answered with my most professional tone, despite the storm raging inside me.

“Elsa Hale speaking.” The words came out clipped and precise.

“Elsa! It’s Bruce. I was wondering if you’re free for lunch today?”

n

I nearly declined automatically-my usual response to Bruce’s persistent invitations. But today, something snapped inside me. Maybe it was the hum

I’d just endured, or the way my carefully constructed world seemed to be crumbling, but I found myself saying, “Yes, that would be nice.

There was a brief silence on the other end, as if Bruce couldn’t believe his luck. “Great! I’ll pick you up at noon?”

Le

‘I’ll meet you in the lobby,” I replied, already regretting my decision but too stubborn to take it back.

When noon arrived, I descended to the lobby to find Bruce waiting, looking more polished than usual in a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad should He was clutching a bouquet of silver roses.

“Elsa,” he greeted, his eyes lighting up as he took in my appearance. “You look beautiful, as always.”

I kept my expression neutral, crossing my arms over my chest defensively. “Bruce, we need to talk.”

His smile faltered slightly at my tone. “Of course. I’ve made reservations at-

‘No, here is fine, I interrupted, taking a step back when he tried to hand me the flowers, my palm raised in rejection. I need to make something clear. His not accepting those.”

Confusion crossed his features. “They’re just flowers, Elsa.*

“They’re a symbol of intentions I can’t accept,” I replied firmly, my jaw set in detersunation. And while we’re at it, you need to contre sous ce na 2 she shows up at

kolace again making a scene, I’m filing a harassment report.”

do?*

ing, screaming accusations and causing a scene in front of an important client spat, w

cause of her, and my boss just threatened my job. So forgive one if is not on the used for wear

about that. Emma can be… impulsive.

incredulously, giving a harsh bark of laughter. She physically grabbed me and fed to tear day chatt

ur head out of your ass.

slowly. I’ll speak with her.

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