Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Elsa

I was halfway out the VIP room door, Alexander’s protective presence beside me, when Drake’s cold voice sliced through the pulsing music.

“Ms. Hale. His tone stopped me in my tracks. “A moment.”

I turned reluctantly, watching as Drake pulled a manila envelope from inside his suit jacket. His jaw clenched visibly when he saw me standing next to Alexander, the Moon Shadow pack insignia prominent on the jacket I wore over my stained blouse.

“Since you’re still technically on company time,” Drake said, extending the envelope with deliberate slowness, make yourself

useful and deliver these signed contracts to Mike Rossi at the office. He’s waiting for them.”

I took the envelope, maintaining a professional expression despite the humiliation burning through my veins. Fucking asshole.

Ten years together and this is how he treats me in front of everyone-like his personal errand girl.

“Of course, Mr. Stone.”

My mind raced, calculating how this would affect my month-end pay. I still had bills to cover and my mother’s next treatment

was coming up. Missing more hours would put me dangerously close to losing my attendance bonus. Shit, shit, shit. He knows

exactly what he’s doing-making sure I can’t afford to leave him.

“Is this how you treat all your employees?” Alexander asked, his voice calm but edged with disapproval. “Making them run.

deliveries at this hour?”

Drake’s eyes flashed amber, a dangerous sign of his wolf stirring. “How I manage my staff isn’t your concern, Lumin.”

I touched Alexander’s arm lightly. “It’s fine. I need to return to the office anyway.” But it’s not fine. Nothing about this fucked-

up situation is fine.

Outside the club, the cool night air raised goosebumps on my skin. I glanced down at my blouse, noticing a spreading red

wine stain from someone bumping into me earlier. Great. Another reminder of this disaster of a night.

“You should keep my jacket, Alexander said, gesturing to the garment I was already preparing to return. “That stain looks

quite noticeable.”

“I couldn’t-‘

“Please, I insist,’ he said, his smile genuine. “Would you like me to drive you to your office?”

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“Thank you, but I don’t want to trouble you. I’ll grab a taxi.”

Alexander nodded, respecting my decision without pushing. “Take care, Elsa. And remember my offer-Silver Glow Industries

would value someone with your expertise.”

As I watched him walk toward his car, I couldn’t help comparing his respectful demeanor with Drake’s controlling behavior. Why couldn’t I have met someone like Alexander first? Instead of wasting a decade on a man who treats me like property.

With a sigh, I wrapped Alexander’s jacket tighter around me and hailed a taxi.

When I arrived at Stone Industries, I was surprised to find Mike Rossi, waiting in the reception area. His normally composed

face showed clear frustration.

“Ms. Hale! Thank God,” he said, standing quickly. “I’ve been waiting over an hour.”

I limped toward him, unconsciously emphasizing my injured ankle. “Mr. Rossi, I’m terribly sorry for the wait. There must have

been a miscommunication.” Another mess I’m expected to clean up, probably Vera’s doing. That conniving little bitch.

His eyes dropped to my uneven gait. “Are you injured?”

I offered a brave smile, knowing from experience that men like Mike responded well to strength through vulnerability. “Just a

minor ankle sprain. Nothing that will interfere with our business.”

His expression softened immediately. “You shouldn’t be working in your condition.”

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