Chapter 219
Elle’s POV
ne Alpha
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I felt Brad’s presence before his arms wrapped around me from behind. His lips pressed gently against the
top of my head, and I could feel the tension in his body even as he tried to appear relaxed.
“You’re handling this perfectly.” he murmured against my hair, his voice carrying that deep, possessive rumble.
I leaned back against his chest, grateful for his solid warmth. “I had a good teacher.”
His arms tightened around me.
Heat flooded my cheeks. “Brad,” I hissed, glancing around at the other guests. “We’re in public.”
He chuckled, his hands trailing down to rest on my hips. “And you look absolutely stunning tonight. That dress… it’s driving me crazy.”
“Stop it,” I whispered, my face burning as several wolves nearby turned to look at us with knowing smirks.
“People are going to think—”
“That I’m completely obsessed with you? Good. Let them.”
I felt my heart skip despite my embarrassment. The way he was looking at me made it hard to breathe, and
I was acutely aware of every pair of eyes on us.
Alex appeared beside us, adjusting something small and silver at his collar. He caught my eye and nodded
almost imperceptibly.
“The connection is still live,” he murmured.
I touched the earpiece Brad had given me earlier, just as Mira and Victoria re–entered the ballroom from opposite doors. The tension between them was obvious even from across the room.
“There they are,” I whispered.
Across the room, I spotted Lester Harrison moving with predatory purpose toward where Mira stood. My heart clenched I’d seen that look on his face before, on the ship.
–
“Lester’s making his move,” I murmured to Brad.
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Chapter 219
Brad followed my gaze and cursed under his breath. “Sophia’s going to see this. Alex, follow them.”
I quickly scanned the crowd until I found Sophia standing with a group of other wolves, her silver eyes tracking Lester’s movement. Even from this distance, I could see the dangerous glint in her gaze.
“I should go to her,” I said, but Brad caught my arm.
“Not yet. Let’s see how this plays out first.”
We watched as Lester cornered Mira near a pillar at the far end of the ballroom. Even without being able to hear their words, the body language was clear – Lester was pleading, Mira was resisting.
Then the audio crackled to life in my earpiece.
“What the fuck are you doing with Lucas? He’s a drug user!”
“Let go of me, Lester!” Mira’s voice was sharp with anger. “You can’t just drag me around like this!”
“Mira, please. Just tell me what’s wrong. What happened to change everything between us? Are you in
some kind of trouble?”
There was a pause, and I could almost picture Mira calculating her next move.
“You really want to know?” Mira’s voice turned suddenly soft, almost vul Let’s become mates, Lester. Right here, right now.”
Then let’s be together.
The sharp intake of breath in my earpiece told me Lester was as shocked as I was.
I turned to look across the room and saw Mira pressing closer to Lester, her hands on his chest. She glanced over his shoulder directly at Sophia, and I realized with a sick feeling that this was all a performance.
“Elle,” Brad’s voice was low and warning. “Sophia-”
I was already moving. Sophia stood frozen, her face a mask of pain and fury as she watched Mira practically drape herself over Lester.
“Sophia,” I said softly, reaching out to touch her arm. “Don’t watch this. She’s playing games.”
“My conversation with him meant nothing,” Sophia said through gritted teeth, her silver eyes blazing. “He’s going right back to her. I was an idiot to think-”
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Chapter 219
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“What else is there?” Mira laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Love? Please. Love doesn’t pay bills or secure futures. I need to be with someone who can give me what I want, and if that’s not you, then it’s Lucas.”
“Mira…” Lester’s voice broke.
“Don’t.” Her voice was ice–cold. “Don’t come looking for me anymore, Lester.”
The audio went quiet, and I pulled out my earpiece.
Sophia had heard it all too, and some of the tension had left her shoulders.
“She really is a piece of work,” Sophia murmured.
what matters.”
“And now Lester knows it,” I smiled. “x” “Well, well,” a voice said behind me, ”
old flame is right here in the room, and you’re still smiling. I
have to wonder – are you just naturally thick–skinned, or have you never actually loved Brad at all?”
I turned to find Calista Hamilton smirking at me, her expression dripping with wolf superiority. The condescending tone in her voice made my teeth clench.
I set down my champagne gla
“What would you suggest I do
with deliberate calm and met her gaze steadily.
these guests?
Storm out and ruin Lucas’s birthday party? Please, enlighten me on the proper protocol here.”
binstead?” I asked quietly. Throw a tantrum in!
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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The readers' comments on the novel: After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle)
Not sure how the story ended without completing the circle on what happened to Sophia and Lester. That loop was just left hanging... what happened with the Blair contract of having to married Raymond? All Eleanor wanted was a piece of Rayne industries?...