Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 102

Chapter 102

Elsa

Vera’s demeanor instantly transformed as she sized up the newcomer.

“Susan, right? We should grab lunch sometime.”

I watched with resignation as the two of them walked away, already

deep in conversation about a boutique opening.

And there it is. The natural order of things. The elites band together

while the omega cleans up the mess. Some things never fucking

change.

My desk phone rang. Drake’s extension.

“Elsa, come to my office immediately.”

When I entered, Vera was already there, her eyes suspiciously red-

rimmed as she dabbed at them with a tissue. Oh, give me a break.

Those crocodile tears wouldn’t fool a blind person.

“Drake, I really don’t want to cause trouble,” she was saying. “I’m just

trying to do my job.”

1/5

Chapter 102

Drake’s expression was thunderous as he looked at me. “Vera tells me

you’ve been hostile since her return.”

After she assaulted me with a fucking folder? Are you kidding me?

Before I could defend myself, he continued, “But that’s not why I

called you in. We need to prepare for the Twin Moon Mall opening

ceremony tomorrow. It’s a joint venture between Stone Industries and

Silver Glow Group.”

A project with Alexander’s company. No wonder Drake looked so

irritated. Ah, that explains the extra dose of asshole today. His rival

alpha will be there.

“You’ll need to arrange transportation,” he said. “We leave at nine

tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, sir,” I replied automatically, hating how easily I still fell into

submission.

The next morning, I arrived early to prepare the necessary materials.

Drake appeared at exactly nine, flanked by Susan and Vera, both

fawning over him like contestants in a beauty pageant.

Christ, they’re practically rubbing themselves against him. Have some

dignity, ladies. He’ll discard you both eventually.

2/5

Chapter 102

I noticed Susan had worn a dress almost identical to one Drake had

once complimented on a company model during a photo shoot. The

neckline was just low enough to be suggestive without crossing into

unprofessional territory.

Vera, meanwhile, had apparently done some overnight research. Her

hair was styled in the same sleek waves Drake’s ex–girlfriend had

worn in their last public appearance together.

سن

In the parking garage, Susan darted ahead. “I call shotgun!” she

announced, then paused. “Actually, no. I’ll sit in back with Drake.”

Vera’s perfectly sculpted eyebrow twitched. “I think as Mr. Stone’s

assistant, I should sit with him to discuss the agenda.” Her voice

dripped with professional concern, but the territorial glare she shot

at Susan could have melted steel.

“But I’m new! I need to learn from the best,” Susan countered,

fluttering her eyelashes at Drake. She casually touched his arm,

letting her fingers linger just a second too long. “Besides, I have some

innovative ideas about the eastern wing retail concept I’d love to

share with you, Drake.”

Vera stepped closer, creating a physical barrier between Susan and

Drake. “How thoughtful of you to take an interest, Susan. Though

perhaps those ideas should go through proper channels first? After

all, Drake and I have been fine–tuning this project’s direction for

3/5

Chapter 102

months. The lie rolled off her tongue smoothly, her smile not quite

reaching her eyes.

I stood awkwardly to the side, holding a portfolio of documents, feeling increasingly invisible. Look at them fighting over scraps from his table. Was I ever that pathetic? The answer, of course, was yes- but in a different way.

“Ladies,” Drake said, his voice holding that subtle alpha rumble that

made both women instantly straighten their postures. “I value both

your inputs. Susan, I’d like to hear those ideas.”

Vera’s smile faltered for a microsecond before she recovered. “Of

course,” she said sweetly. “I can brief you on the latest vendor

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify