After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 118

Chapter 118

Elle’s POV

I sat in that quiet corner for what felt like hours.

Get it together, Elle.

Taking a deep breath, I prepared to rejoin the gathering, to put on the mask of composure and play my part.

“Elle? Is that you?”

The gentle voice startled me. I looked up to see Raymond approaching, his expression filled with genuine concern. I quickly wiped at my face, hoping any remaining traces of tears weren’t visible, and forced a bright smile.

“Oh, yes? I guess I didn’t realize…” I managed, trying to sound casual.

“My home isn’t far from Moon Lake City,” Raymond explained, his keen eyes studying my face with obvious worry.

I nodded absently, not really caring about the details. My heart wasn’t in this conversation – hell, my heart wasn’t in much of anything

right now.

“What’s wrong?” Raymond’s voice was gentle but insistent. “You look terrible. Didn’t Brad arrange for someone to take care of you? Should

I call a doctor?”

The concern in his voice almost broke through my carefully constructed facade. I waved him off, forcing another smile. ‘It’s nothing, really. I’m just… not used to the environment here, I guess? It’s fine, I can handle it.”

Raymond’s frown deepened, but I quickly changed the subject before he could probe further.

“I heard Roy invited quite a few business partners. Are you one of them?”

“Yes,” Raymond confirmed, though his eyes never left my face.

“Where are the others?” Raymond asked, his disapproval clear. “Brad shouldn’t have left you alone like this.”

The protective tone in his voice made something twist painfully in my chest. I couldn’t let him see how lost I really felt. “Oh, I just got separated from them earlier, I lied smoothly. “No big deal.”

Something flickered in Raymond’s eyes disappointment, maybe? Some kind of inner defeat that I didn’t understand. Why did he always seem to keep me at arm’s length when I tried to be friendly?

“Mr. Carter? What are you doing here? Everyone’s waiting for you over there!”

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Chapter 118

A young man appeared suddenly, rushing toward Raymond with obvious urgency. When his gaze fell on me, his eyes went wide.

“Miss Blair! Weren’t you already…”

He must have take me for Dakota.

I think you’ve got the wrong person. My name is West.”

Without waiting for a response, I stood up. “Raymond, I should go find the others. I’ll see you later.”

As I turned to leave, I could hear the young man’s frantic voice behind me.

“Carter sir, please tell me I wasn’t seeing things! Did I make a mistake?”

.L

Raymond’s voice was sharp with warning. “Her name is Elle West! Go tell those people to get their facts straight and stop spreading

nonsense!”

“Oh my God, but they’re practically identical…”

Their voices faded as I walked away.

After wandering the halls for several minutes, I realized I was completely lost. The layout of this place was like a maze, and my earlier confidence evaporated.

“Mrs. Rayne, the master requests your presence for lunch.”

A servant appeared as if from nowhere, and I nearly sagged with relief. “Roy? Oh, thank goodness.”

At least someone remembered I existed. I followed the servant.

The moment I entered the dining room, my eyes immediately found Brad and Mira sitting side by side. The sight hit me like a physical

blow, and I had to look away, that familiar ache spreading through my chest,

I forced myself to take a deep breath, to remember my resolution. Look clearly at your position. Do what you’re supposed to do.

With as much dignity as I could muster, I walked over to the table, deliberately choosing a seat diagonally across from Brad rather than

beside him.

“Sorry I’m late,” I said, managing to keep my voice steady. “This place is so complex I got completely turned around and lost.”

“That’s my fault,” Yara replied graciously. “I forgot to arrange a guide for you. I’m so sorry,”

I noticed how she and Roy sat close together, clearly comfortable and affectionate. A pang of something envy? longing? – shot through me, but I pushed it down.

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Chapter 118

“No worries at all, I assured her, focusing entirely on Roy and Yara. I refused to let my gaze drift to Brad, no matter how much I wanted

to steal a glance.

“I can’t share a room with Lester tonight, can I?’

Sophia’s voice cut through the polite conversation as she and Lester entered the dining room. She slumped into the chair beside me with

an exaggerated pout.

“How about I room with Elle?’ Sophia suggested brightly. “I mean, I can tell Brad’s not exactly in the mood to pay attention to Elle on

this trip anyway.”

The words hung in the air like a bomb waiting to explode. I heard the sharp sound of glass hitting the table – Brad’s cup. I realized – and felt his gaze snap to me with laser intensity.

My lips curved into what I hoped looked like a genuine smile, though I could feel the sharp edges cutting into my soul. You’re right.

Besides you, I don’t have any close friends here.”

Fuck you, Brad. If that’s how you want to play this, fine.

Brad’s amber eyes narrowed dangerously.

I caught the flash of satisfaction in Mira’s eyes.

“Elle should stay with Brad,” Raymond’s voice cut through the tension as he appeared in the doorway. “We can’t just separate them like

that.”

Even though I didn’t particularly want Raymond interfering, I had to admit I was grateful for his attempt to diffuse the situation. Brad’s expression shifted slightly still displeased, but accepting Raymond’s logic.

But Mira, it seemed, wasn’t done stirring the pot.

“Oh right, I almost forgot Brad has a mate now!” She laughed, the sound like broken glass. “That’s my mistake. I was just telling Brad earlier that we should give Roy a proper bachelor party celebration!”

The casual cruelty of her words, combined with Brad’s silence – his complete failure to shut down her behavior – hit me like a slap. He was just… letting her say these things. Allowing her to twist the knife.

I felt my hands clench into fists under the table. But I’d be damned if I’d let them see me break.

I’m not going to be the good guy here, but I’m not going to be the villain either. I’m just going to mind my own business.

“I don’t mind staying with Sophia,” I said, my voice steady and pleasant. ‘I can’t accompany Brad for drinks and conversation anyway. I should be thanking you for keeping him company.”

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Chapter 118

Each word felt like swallowing broken glass, but I delivered them with a smile.

Brad’s gaze burned into me.

Good, I thought with bitter satisfaction. Let him be uncomfortable. Let him see exactly what his choices lead to.

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After One Night with the Alpha