After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 102

Chapter 102

Elle’s POV

21

“Your foster mother was missing you, so I brought her over to visit,” came Marissa’s voice through the phone, dripping with malice. “Elle

West, you’ve always been such a filial daughter, haven’t you? Your foster mother is here with me as my guest. Don’t you want to see her?”

The words hit me like a physical blow. Rage flooded through me.

I forced myself to stay calm, knowing that losing control would only make things worse. “Where is she?”

Marissa’s laugh was cold and calculating. “Bring a million dollars in cash. I want it all in small bills, not consecutive serial numbers. If

Brad finds out about this or if you go to the police, you can start planning her funeral!

She rattled off an address and hung up before I could respond.

I stared at the phone, my hands trembling. A million dollars! Where the hell am I supposed to get a million dollars? Mom, what am I going to

do?

“Mrs. Rayne, are you alright?” Amy asked, “You look pale. Are you feeling sick?”

I stumbled slightly, catching myself against her arm as the weight of the situation hit me. My lips felt numb as I bit down hard to keep

from crying out.

“Amy,” I managed, “how much money can I access from this household?”

Amy looked confused for a moment before understanding dawned. “Didn’t Mr. Rayne give you a card? That’s connected to the Rayne

family funds. If you need cash, you can withdraw it directly!”

Of course! The card!

My mind raced. I’d been so determined not to use Brad’s money, but I’d already transferred all my savings to my foster mother’s account

through Sophia. I had nothing left.

I’m sorry, Brad. This is an emergency. I’ll borrow this money from you and pay you back somehow, I swear.

“Have the driver prepare the car, I told Amy firmly. “I need to go out immediately.”

The bank treated me like royalty the moment they saw the Rayne family card. Within minutes, I was ushered into a private VIP room

where the manager personally handled my request.

1/4

10:18 Wed, Dec 31

Chapter 102

:

‘I need one million dollars in cash,’ I said without preamble. “Small bills, non-consecutive.”

There was no hesitation, no verification process, no questions asked. Within ten minutes, they had prepared exactly what I requested.

Jesus Christ, I thought, staring at the heavy cases. The power of money is terrifying. A million dollars, just like that? This feels like a dream.

The security guards helped carry the cases to the car, treating me with the utmost deference.

“Marissa,” I spoke into my phone, which had been on speaker the entire time. “You heard everything. I didn’t call the police. My security

and assistant know better than to call the police without my permission. I have the money.”

“I don’t trust you, Elle,” Marissa’s voice was harsh and suspicious. “Change of plans. New location. You come alone. No one else.”

I felt my anger flare. “Marissa, have you lost your mind? Do you see how heavy this money is? I’m pregnant – you think I can carry a

hundred-pound case by myself? I’m giving you exactly what you want – money, me, everything! What more do you want from me? You’re

being ridiculous!”

–

“I don’t give a damn about being ridiculous!” Marissa shouted back. “That’s exactly how I want to be! I’ve always wanted to be this unreasonable! Elle, drop that saint act of yours it makes me sick! Fine, you can bring a driver. ONE driver. Anyone else and your foster

mother pays the price!”

The pure hatred in her voice made my blood run cold. Fucking bitch!

Standing outside the Rayne estate, I felt my anxiety spike.

Despite my fury, I knew I had no choice but to play by her rules.

‘But Miss West,’ Amy protested, “Mr. Rayne specifically ordered me to stay with you at all times…”

“Listen carefully,” I said, forcing authority into my voice. “No one is to call the police without my direct order. Do you understand? I’ll be

back soon.

As I climbed into the car, my thoughts turned to Brad. If he were here, how would he handle this? But… I can’t tell him, I can’t risk Mom’s safety. I can’t let him get involved.

The internal struggle was tearing me apart.

The driver navigated through the city to the desolate location Marissa had specified. When we reached the abandoned junkyard, I felt my

2/4

10:18 Wed, Dec 31

Chapter 102

heart sink. This place screamed danger.

“Alright, I said into the phone. I’m here with the money and one driver, exactly as you demanded.”

‘Smart girl. Someone will take you inside.”

The abandoned factory building felt like something out of a nightmare. As soon as I walked in, I cut straight to the point.

“I brought the money. Where is my foster mother?”

Marissa stepped out of the shadows with Jason beside her. I stared at them both, pieces finally clicking into place.

What the hell?

What a perfect pair of bastards.

Even though I wanted to tear them both apart, I kept my expression neutral. Mom’s safety depended on it.

“Where’s the money?” Jason demanded impatiently.

I gestured to my driver, who set down the two cases and opened them to display the cash.

“I want to see Susan,” I said firmly. “I’m not giving you anything until I see her.”

021

Marissa waved her hand, and someone roughly pushed my foster mother forward. She was bound. Her eyes were alert and filled with tears

when she saw me.

Mom, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault for getting you involved.

Susan’s eyes widened when she saw my obviously pregnant belly, and I could see the guilt and concern written across her face.

‘Honey, don’t come any closer!” Susan called out. “You’re carrying a baby!”

Before she could say another word, Jason kicked her viciously, sending her sprawling to the ground.

“Mom!” I screamed, pointing an accusing finger at Jason. “You bastard! I was completely blind to think you could ever be worthy of me! She treated you like her own son, and this is how you repay her? Jason, you’re a heartless piece of shit! You deserve to rot in hell!

Jason’s face twisted with rage. “Yeah! So what, Elle? You want to lecture me? If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be in this mess!”

“Let me tell you the truth,” he continued, his voice getting more vicious. “I never liked you from the beginning! You think I wanted to be with some flat-chested, conservative prude like you? You disgusted me!”

I actually laughed at his pathetic attempt to hurt me. Thank God. Thank God I didn’t end up with this piece of garbage. What a blessing in

3/4

10:18 Wed, Dec 31

Chapter 102

disguise.

:

*Enough! Jason snapped impatiently. “You’ve seen her. Now hand over the money.”

“Wait. Marissa’s voice cut through the tension.

Everyone turned to look at her as she appeared with three glasses of some dark liquid.

*Before we finish this transaction,” she said, her eyes glittering with malice, “you need to drink with us. All three of us. Together.

Comments

8

Write Comments

SHARE

21

ΔΙΑ

10:18 Wed, Dec 31

After One Night with the Alpha