After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 207

Chapter 207

Elle’s POV

I was lying on my bed, when my phone rang. The caller ID showed a number I didn’t recognize, but something about it felt familiar.

“Hello?” I answered cautiously.

“Elle, dear.” The voice on the other end was unmistakably authoritative, yet warm. It was Elizabeth Rayne, Brad’s grandmother.

My heart skipped a beat. “Mrs. Rayne? How did you get this number?”

“Oh, darling, I have my ways,” she said with what sounded like a smile. “I’m calling because I have some important news. Brad’s brother, Lucas Rayne, will be returning home soon. We’re planning a birthday

celebration for him, and as Brad’s mate, your presence is absolutely required.”

I sat up straighter, confused. “Brad’s brother? I thought Brad was the only heir in his generation.”

worry about the details. Just focus on “There’s much you don’t know about our family yet, dear. But don’t keeping yourself happy and healthy. The dress and jewelry for the event will be prepared for you – you just

need to maintain that lovely glow of yours.”

I touched my belly instinctively. “Mrs. Rayne-”

“Oh, before I forget,” she interrupted, her voice taking on a more business–like tone. “I’m having some documents prepared for you to sign. Someone will deliver them shortly. Consider it an early gift.”

“What kind of documents?” I asked, feeling increasingly bewildered.

“Your reward, so to speak.” Elizabeth’s voice was filled with satisfaction. “Since future heir – I’m giving you an additional five percent of the company shares as

grandson.”

rrying a boy – our

gift to my great-

The phone nearly slipped from my hands. “Mrs. Rayne, … I don’t understand. Why would you-”

“Nonsense, dear. You’re family now. Just sign the papers when they arrive, and everything will be taken care of. I must go now – there’s much to arrange. Take care of yourself.”

The line went dead, leaving me staring at my phone in complete shock. Five percent of Rayne Group? That

111

1/4

54%

18:37 Wed, Dec 24 7 GD

Chapter 207

had to be worth… I couldn’t even begin to calculate it.

When evening came, I heard the distinctive sound of helicopter blades approaching the cruise ship.

Sophia found me on the deck, watching as a helicopter landed on the ship’s helipad. “Elle? What’s going

on?”

“I think… I think that’s for me,” I said, still not quite believing it myself.

A man in a business suit emerged from the helicopter, carrying a briefcase. He was escorted to our deck by the ship’s crew, and he approached me with professional deference.

“Ms. West? I’m Robert Chen, representing Mrs. Elizabeth Rayne. I have some documents for your

signature.”

“Of course,” I managed, though my voice sounded foreign to my own ears.

He opened the briefcase and withdrew a thick folder. “These are share transfer documents for Rayne Group. Mrs. Rayne has instructed me to ensure you understand that you’re receiving five percent ownership of the company, along with the associated board membership.”

I stared at the papers, the legal language swimming before my eyes. Five percent. Board membership.

Voting rights.

“I… this is really happening?” I whispered.

“Yes, ma’am. If you could just sign here, here, and initial there…” He guided me through the documents with practiced efficiency.

My hand trembled as I signed my name, feeling like I was signing away my old life and stepping into something completely foreign. When it was done, Mr. Chen smiled professionally.

“Congratulations, Ms. West. Mrs. Rayne asked me to convey her warmest regard your documents are now officially in effect. You are now a member of the Rayne

inform you that

board of directors.”

I watched in stunned silence as he packed up the papers and returned to the helicopter. The aircraft lifted off into the twilight sky, leaving me standing on the deck feeling like I’d just experienced the most surreal dream of my life.

“Elle!” Sophia’s voice broke through my stupor. She was approaching with Abigail, both looking concerned. “What the hell just happened?”

“Actually,” came a familiar voice from behind us, “that’s a conservative estimate.”

I felt the pieces clicking into place in my mind. “This was all… Brad’s doing?”

“Of course it was.”

3/4

18:37 Wed, Dec 24 7 GD

Chapter 207

54%

Lester cleared his throat. “Actually, Sophia, could I speak with you privately? I owe you an apology, and an

explanation.”

Sophia’s expression hardened. “Lester-

“Please.” His voice was humble, almost pleading. “I know I don’t deserve it, but… I was wrong. About

everything. I don’t understand love at all, and I hurt you because of my own stupidity.” everything. I don’t understand love a

Sophia studied his face for a long moment, then looked at Abigail and me. “Would you m

privacy? Maybe go… study the menu or

hing?”

ing us some

“Of course,” I said quickly, grateful for an excuse to process everything that had just happened. “Abigail, want to check out the dining options?”

“Absolutely,” Abigail agreed, linking her arm through mine. “Let’s give them space.”

As we walked away, Abigail turned to me. “So, how are you feeling about all this?”

I shook my head slowly. “Honestly? My brain feels like it’s short–circuiting. Yesterday I was fighting with Mira on this deck, ready to throw punches, and tonight I’m being told she’s no longer a threat because I’m suddenly worth a hundred billion dollars?”

“It is pretty surreal,” Abigail admitted. “The pace of change in your life has been… intense.”