Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Elsa

“Well, Ms. Hale, since you saved my basketball from landing in the fountain, how about I buy you lunch as a thank you?” He gestured toward the campus center. “The second cafeteria still makes the best bulgogi bowls in the city.”

Shit. He’s flirting. Drake would rip his throat out just for looking at me this way. A flash of anxiety shot through me, followed by anger at my own conditioned response. Fuck Drake. I’m allowed to have a normal conversation with someone.

“That’s very kind, but I’ve already eaten,” I replied, holding up my half-eaten sandwich. “And I need to prepare for the recruitment fair.”

“At least let me get your number then,” he persisted, his confidence unwavering. “For professional reasons, of course. I’m graduating next year, and Stone Industries is on my target list.”

I hesitated. He seemed harmless enough, but I’d learned the hard way that mixing professional and personal contacts rarely ended well, especially with Drake’s possessiveness. The last guy who flirted with me at a corporate event mysteriously lost his contract with Stone

Industries the next day.

“I think it’s better if you just come to the recruitment booth this afternoon,” I said diplomatically. “I’ll be happy to answer any questions

about the company there.”

His smile dimmed slightly, but he nodded. “Fair enough. I’ll see you at the fair then, Ms. Hale.”

Before he could say anything else, another student called out to him. “Rex! Come on, man! We need to set up the tech booth!”

“Coming!” Rex called back, then turned to me with a wink. “Duty calls. Looking forward to our next meeting, Elsa Hale.”

As he jogged away, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. Young wolves can be so damn persistent. And oblivious to how dangerous their interest in me could be.

I had just finished my sandwich when another familiar scent caught my attention-woody with hints of leather and amber. I turned to see Allen Moonlight approaching, dressed in a tailored navy suit that screamed business professional.

“Ms. Hale?” he said, recognition dawning on his face. “Elsa Hale from Stone Industries, right?”

Great. Another potential complication. I stood, straightening my skirt. “Yes, that’s right. Allen Moonlight from Moonlight Real Estate, if I

remember correctly?”

He smiled, clearly pleased I remembered him. “Good memory. We met at the company gala last year.”

“Yes, I accidentally stepped on your Italian leather shoes while trying to avoid the CEO of Silver Mining Corp,” I recalled with a grimace. “I still owe you for those.”

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16:35 Sat, Apr 18

Chapter 84

Allen waved dismissively. “They were just shoes. What brings you to campus today?”

*Recruiting for junior positions,” I explained. “We’re looking for fresh talent. What about you?”

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He gestured to the buildings around us. “Family duty. My father sends me here every spring to scout potential interns for our real estate

ventures. The family business never sleeps.”

“I didn’t realize you were a TWU alumnus too.”

“Class of 2016, Business Administration,” he confirmed. “And you?”

“2017, International Business and Communications.”

We shared a moment of alumni camaraderie before Allen’s stomach let out an audible growl. He looked embarrassed. “Sorry about that.

I’ve been in meetings all morning and missed breakfast.”

“The second cafeteria still makes great bulgogi bowls,” I suggested, remembering Rex’s earlier comment.

Allen’s eyes lit up. “God, I haven’t had those in years. Would you mind joining me? I’d love to catch up properly, and maybe you could tell me which departments at Stone Industries are hiring.”

I checked my watch. The recruitment fair didn’t start for another hour, and I’d finished my administrative tasks.

Drake would absolutely hate me having lunch with another man. The thought brought a perverse satisfaction bubbling up inside me. Only seven more days until I’m free of his controlling bullshit.

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