Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 187

Alpha’s Private Plaything

Chapter 187

Elsa

“Stone Enterprises is providing forty percent of the funding,” Aiden

replied through gritted teeth. “Of course he’s here.”

I should have known. Nothing in my life could ever be simple or

Drake–free. I took a deep breath, straightening my spine and

plastering on a professional smile that felt like it might shatter my

face.

The ceremony proceeded with the usual speeches and handshakes. I

stood to the side, clipboard clutched against my chest like a shield,

making sure everything ran smoothly. When it came time for the

actual ribbon–cutting, I watched as Drake, Aiden, and the mayor

posed with comically large scissors, their forced smiles gleaming

under the camera flashes. My nails dug half–moons into my palms.

After the ribbon was cut and the polite applause died down, a local

official–some deputy mayor or councilman–began asking detailed

questions about the project’s environmental impact and economic

benefits.

“Do we have anyone here who understands the technical aspects of

the site planning?” he asked, looking around at the gathered

Chapter 187

executives.

Aiden cleared his throat. “Actually, my assistant Elsa Hale has degrees

in both urban planning and architectural design. She’s been

instrumental in refining the project specifications.”

All eyes turned to me, including Drake’s piercing gaze that seemed to

burn right through my skin. My mouth went instantly dry, and for a

horrifying moment, I thought I might actually throw up. I stepped forward, desperately hoping my voice wouldn’t shake.

“The project incorporates several sustainable design elements,” I

began, my professional training kicking in despite the nervous sweat

beading at my hairline. “We’ve adjusted the original plans to preserve

the natural water drainage patterns of the area, which will reduce

runoff by approximately thirty percent.”

I continued, explaining how we’d integrated local materials and

considered the impact on wildlife habitats. As I spoke, I noticed the

official nodding appreciatively. When I mentioned how the

development would create jobs that aligned with the region’s

traditional industries, his eyebrows rose in approval.

“That’s exactly the kind of thoughtful planning we like to see,” he said

warmly. “Too many developers come in without understanding our

community’s values.”

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I felt a small surge of pride bloom in my chest, which was

immediately doused with ice water when I caught Drake’s expression.

His face was impassive, but I knew that slight narrowing of his eyes,

the almost imperceptible tightening of his jaw. He was not pleased.

As the crowd dispersed, I heard him mutter to Luke, “Amazing how

quickly she learns to kiss ass in a new environment.”

My stomach twisted with a mixture of humiliation and rage. Fuck

you, I thought, my fingers twitching with the desire to slap that smug

expression off his face. Instead, I straightened my blazer and

ed

away, shoulders back, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing

me react.

1T

The late afternoon found us back at the hotel, the ceremony

successfully concluded. Aiden seemed pleased with how everything

had gone, especially the positive response from local officials.

“We should celebrate,” he announced to the small group gathered in

the hotel lobby. “Dinner, on me. Elsa, Drake, Ava, Luke–you’re all

invited.”

I watched as Drake checked his watch with exaggerated care, my jaw

tightening at his predictable arrogance. “I have calls to make. Another

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time, perhaps.”

Ava, representing the Moonlight real estate interests in the project,

smiled apologetically. “I’m afraid I have plans as well.”

“Prior commitment,” Luke added, not even bothering with an excuse.

What was strange was that none of them actually moved to leave.

Drake took a seat in the lobby lounge, pulling out his phone. Ava

wandered over to examine a decorative fountain, while Luke headed

to the bar but remained within sight. The hairs on the back

neck stood up in warning.

y

Aiden’s smile faltered slightly. “Well, perhaps just you and me then,

Elsa.”

I glanced between the three who had declined and back to Aiden, my

instincts screaming that something was very wrong. “Actually, I just

remembered I promised to call my mother this evening to check on

her treatment progress,” I said smoothly, fidgeting with my bracelet.

“And didn’t you mention needing to review the contractor agreements

before tomorrow’s meeting?”

Aiden’s eyes narrowed fractionally, but he nodded. “You’re right.

Another time.”

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Chapter 187

As we walked toward the elevators, I could feel Drake’s eyes tracking

our movement, like a predator watching potential prey. My skin

crawled with discomfort. Once the elevator doors closed, Aiden

turned to me.

“Did you notice that?” he asked, his voice low.

“That they all refused dinner but stayed right there like vultures

waiting for a carcass? Hard to miss.” I crossed my arms over my chest,

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