After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Elle’s POV

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I knocked firmly and opened the door. The tension in the room hit me like a physical wave as I stepped

inside.

“Good morning, Brad… Mr. Carter,” I said softly, my voice more hesitant than I intended.

Raymond Carter’s eyes immediately found mine, his gaze lingering with unmistakable interest. Something

in his expression made me uncomfortable-like he was seeing someone else when he looked at me. I

shifted awkwardly, glancing at Brad for guidance.

Brad’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. His eyes darted between Raymond and me, and I could feel the

sudden shift in his demeanor.

“Mr. Carter,” Brad’s voice cut through the silence, “do you know Elle?”

Raymond seemed momentarily taken aback. He blinked rapidly, composing himself with remarkable speed

before his expression shifted to polite neutrality.

“I apologize,” Raymond said smoothly. “Your mate bears an uncanny resemblance to someone I once knew.

It’s… rather startling, actually.”

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Sophia stood beside me, her eyes calculating

as she observed the exchange.

“Elle, Brad’s voice was unexpectedly gentle as he extended his hand toward me. “Come sit beside me.”

It wasn’t a request; it was a command wrapped in velvet. I knew my role in this strange dance. Obediently,

I crossed the room and took the seat beside Brad, feeling everyone’s eyes on me.

Brad’s hand settled possessively on my lower back as I sat down. To an outsider, it might have looked like an affectionate gesture. I knew better. This was Brad marking his territory.

“Now,” Brad continued, his voice returning to its usual business-like tone, “shall we discuss the proposal

you’ve brought us, Raymond?”

Raymond nodded, seemingly unfazed by the tension. “Of course. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on our

potential collaboration, Alpha Rayne.”

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Brad’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes “I must say, your proposal caught me off guard. Rayne Group doesn’t have its foundations in this region I wonder why Carter Group would seek us out specifically. Aren’t you concerned about getting the short end of the stick?”

Raymond laughed, the sound surprisingly warm in the chilly atmosphere of the room. “I can afford to take

a loss.”

“Bold statement,” Brad replied, his fingers drumming lightly against the conference table. “But then again,

so can we.”

I sat there feeling completely out of my depth. The conversation flowed around me like water-smooth on the surface but with dangerous currents underneath. These men weren’t just discussing business; they were circling each other like predators, each looking for weakness.

“The projects you’ve lined up recently have received quite impressive backing,” Brad commented, leaning back in his chair. “Your expansion into the northern territories is particularly… ambitious.”

“We go where opportunity leads us,” Raymond replied with a casual shrug. “And sometimes, opportunity suggests forming new alliances.”

I glanced between them, trying to understand the subtext. It felt like they were speaking in code, each word carrying multiple meanings.

“Let’s cut to the chase,” Brad said suddenly. “What are your conditions? Carter Enterprises isn’t offering Rayne Group such a large piece of the pie without wanting something in return.”

Raymond’s eyes flickered briefly to me before returning to Brad. The glance lasted only a second, but Brad caught it-I could tell by the way his body tensed beside mine.

“You’re perceptive, Alpha Rayne,” Raymond acknowledged. “Since we’re both intelligent men, I’ll be direct. I do have one small request.”

Brad’s expression darkened. “Go on.”

Raymond cleared his throat. “I’d like Ms. West to be assigned to this project.”

The silence that followed was deafening. I blinked in confusion, wondering if I’d heard correctly. Why would Raymond Carter want me involved in a high-level collaboration? I was just an assistant, completely out of my depth in corporate negotiations.

Brad’s hand on my back tightened slightly. “Elle,” his voice was quiet but firm, “would you mind giving us a

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moment?”

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Before I could respond, Sophia stepped forward. “Elle, come with me,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I need your help with something.”

I hesitated, looking at Brad for confirmation. He gave a slight nod, and I stood up, following Sophia out of the conference room. As the door closed behind us, I caught one last glimpse of Raymond Carter watching

me leave, his expression unreadable.

In the hallway, Sophia pulled me aside, her face serious “Elle, do you know Raymond Carter?”

I shook my head, bewildered. “How could I? I’ve only seen him a couple of times.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed. “That’s strange, because he looks at you like he’s known you for years.”

“What?” I frowned, genuinely confused. “That’s impossible.”

“Just a word of warning,” Sophia said quietly. “Be careful. There’s something going on here that we don’t

understand yet.”

I nodded, grateful for her concern even as my mind raced with questions. Why would Raymond Carter be interested in me? What connection could we possibly have?

Brad’s POV

Meanwhile, inside the conference room, the atmosphere had grown even more tense. My voice was cold as

ice as I addressed Raymond directly.

“What are you playing at?”

Raymond didn’t bother with pretense anymore. “I want Elle to handle this project. The rest of the terms- profit sharing, resource allocation-we can negotiate those details.”

“She’s just an assistant,” I countered. “She doesn’t have the experience to manage a collaboration of this

scale.”

“My team will handle the heavy lifting,” Raymond responded smoothly. “I just need someone from Rayne Group as a liaison, and I’d prefer it to be her.”

My laugh was sharp and humorless. “Are you trying to take my mate from me, Mr. Carter? Is that what this

is about?”

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Raymond’s smile didn’t falter. “You’re joking, right? If you think I’m interested in your mate, you’re mistaken. I simply believe she has potential.”

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My laughter filled the room, a tactical move to hide his discomfort. “If you’re interested in Elle, be warned

-she’s not available.”

My mind was racing. My grandmother had made it clear that this partnership was essential for our future

plans.

But Raymond’s interest in Elle was concerning. I couldn’t allow Carter unrestricted access to her.

“Elle is pregnant,” I stated bluntly. “She can’t handle the stress of managing this project alone. But if you insist on her involvement, then I’ll oversee it with her. We’ll work as a team.”

My eyes hardened as I added, “You don’t mind me being protective of my mate, do you?”

Raymond’s smile didn’t waver. “Not at all. It’s settled, then.”

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After One Night with the Alpha