After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Elle’s POV

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“Mrs. Miller,” I said carefully, already preparing to decline the call.

But before I could refuse, her voice broke through again choked with what sounded like genuine tears. “Elle, honey… I’m so sorry. Everything that happened before-it was all my fault. I was wrong about you. I had such terrible prejudices against you, and I realize now what a wonderful girl you are.”

I sat up straighter in the comfortable lounge chair, my free hand instinctively moving to rest on my

growing belly. Something about this felt wrong.

“Mrs. Miller,” I said softly, “I appreciate what you’re saying, but that’s all in the past now. I’m not bothered

by it anymore.”

“Please, Elle. I just need to see you once, to look you in the eye and tell you how sorry I am. I know I don’t

deserve your forgiveness, but-”

“Mrs. Miller, Jason and I have nothing to do with each other anymore,” I interrupted gently but firmly. “He

has his new girlfriend, and I have my new life. There’s really no need for us to meet.”

I was about to hang up when her tone suddenly shifted

“Elle… I… I’m actually in downtown Moonshade Bay right now, and someone stole my purse!” Her voice turned pitiful, almost desperate. “I can’t reach Jason-his phone keeps going straight to voicemail. I’m at this restaurant, and I… I can’t pay for my meal. Elle, could you possibly help me out? Just this once?”

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I felt my jaw drop. Here was a woman who had once told me I wasn’t good enough for her son, now calling

me for money after supposedly having her purse stolen.

What the hell is Jason doing? I thought, anger flaring in my chest. His own mother is in the city and he doesn’t know? He’s letting her struggle to pay for a single meal?

Despite everything-despite the way Mrs. Miller had treated me, despite Jason’s betrayal-I found myself remembering the few times Jason had actually stood up for me when we were together. He had defended

me to his mother more than once, even if it hadn’t been enough in the end.

“Alright, Mrs. Miller,” I said with a sigh. “Send me the address.”

“Oh, Elle! Thank you so much! You’re such a sweet girl I always knew you were special!” The relief in her

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Chapter 85

voice was palpable, and she quickly hung up after giving me the restaurant’s location.

I set my phone down and rubbed my temples.

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Standing up slowly-God, I really was getting more tired each day-1 headed inside to change into something more appropriate for going out. I chose a comfortable maternity top that didn’t cling too tightly

and paired it with soft, flat shoes.

“Alex,” I called as I grabbed my purse. “I need you to drive me somewhere.”

Alex appeared immediately, his expression concerned. “Miss Elle, Alpha Rayne specifically mentioned that you shouldn’t be going out frequently in your condition!”

“It’s just a quick errand,” I assured him. “We’ll be back before Brad even knows I left.”

Alex looked like he wanted to argue, but he nodded. “I’ll get the car ready.”

Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to a modest restaurant-not the nicest area, but not the worst either. I

spotted Mrs. Miller immediately.

I approached her slowly. “Mrs. Miller.”

Her face lit up with relief and gratitude. “Elle! Oh, thank goodness you came!”

She moved as if to embrace me, but Alex stepped smoothly between us. “Please don’t touch Miss Elle

without permission,” he said firmly.

Mrs. Miller jerked back, startled by Alex’s authoritative tone and imposing presence. “I… I’m sorry, I just…”

“It’s fine,” I said, settling into a chair near her table. Honestly, I was grateful to sit down-standing for even short periods was becoming more exhausting. “Alex, could you please take care of the bill for Mrs. Miller?”

Alex nodded and headed toward the counter immediately.

Mrs. Miller sat across from me, wringing her hands nervously. “Elle, I really want you to know how sorry I am about everything that happened between us. I was wrong about you, and 1—”

“Mrs. Miller,” I cut her off, my patience already wearing thin. “Like I said on the phone, that’s all in the past. You’ve seen me, you’ve apologized, and the bill is being paid. If there’s nothing else, I should really

get going.”

I started to stand, making my position clear. “Jason has moved on with his life, and so have I. Please don’t

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Chapter 85

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contact me about family matters in the future. I don’t have any obligation to help with his mother’s needs.”

Just as I was getting to my feet, I heard footsteps approaching from outside the restaurant. Before I could react, someone burst through the door.

Jason dropped to his knees right in front of me.

The shock of it made me stumble backward, and I quickly sat back down, my hand flying protectively to my belly. My heart was racing-not from any romantic feelings, but from pure alarm at his sudden appearance.

“Elle, I was wrong! Please forgive me!” Jason cried, tears and snot streaming down his face in a pathetic

display that made my stomach turn.

“Jason, I don’t want to hear whatever you have to say,” said coldly, starting to stand again. “Let me leave.”

But Jason grabbed onto my leg, his grip tight enough that I couldn’t move without risking a fall. Panic shot

through me as I felt him clinging to me-any struggle could hurt the baby.

“What do you want?” I asked through gritted teeth, forced to remain still.

“Elle, I swear I didn’t mean to upset you that day we ran into each other!” Jason blubbered. “But Brad

Rayne still destroyed my company anyway! He’s ruined my life!”

Brad destroyed his company? Well, that’s unexpected.

His face was red and blotchy with tears, and his desperation was palpable. “Elle, we used to love each other,

didn’t we? Even though we broke up, what we had was real! Please, just talk to Brad for me. Ask him not to

take away my company. I’ll die without it-I’m drowning in debt!”

“Jason, if you’re any kind of man, you’ll stand up,” I said loudly, my voice carrying across the restaurant.

“What kind of pathetic display is this, kneeling in front of me?”

“Jason, you know perfectly well that even though I’m Brad’s mate,” I said firmly. “I can’t help you with this.

You need to find another solution.”

I tried to pry his hands off my legs, but his grip was surprisingly strong.

“Jason,” I said, my voice getting dangerous. “Let go of me right now, or I’m calling Brad.”

I pulled out my phone and dialed.

“Elle, no! Please!” Jason immediately released me, scrambling backward. “I’ll let go!”

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I hung up the phone as Alex returned from paying the bill.

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“We’re leaving,’ I announced, standing carefully. I looked down at Jason one final time. “Don’t contact me again. And if you keep bothering me, Brad will make your situation much worse than it already is.”

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11:13 Tue, Dec 30 GDR

After One Night with the Alpha