Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 233

Chapter 233

Elsa

Miranda’s expression remained pleasant as she reached into her handbag and pulled out her phone. She tapped the screen a few times before sliding it across the table to me. “Does this look familiar?”

“Jesus Christ,” I whispered, my blood running cold as I stared at the photo. It showed a package–my package–the one I’d sent to Sophia last month with some specialty tea from the city. The address label was clearly visible, showing the small border town where Sophia’s grandmother lived. My hand shook as I pushed the phone back toward

her, nearly knocking over my coffee in the process.

“How did you get this?” I whispered, my mouth suddenly dry. I reached for my cup with trembling fingers, sloshing coffee onto the table. “Shit,” I muttered, grabbing napkins to mop up the spill.

“Your friend has been asking questions,” Miranda said, her voice dropping to ensure our conversation remained private. “Questions

about a young woman named Chloe who happens to be staying in the

same small town.”

I blinked rapidly, trying to process this information. “I don’t know any

fucking Chloe,” I said, my voice barely audible.

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Chapter 233

“Your friend does, Miranda countered smoothly. “In fact, she’s been

quite persistent in finding out information about her. What you may

not know is that Chloe happens to be very important to our family.”

Miranda leaned closer, her eyes never leaving mine. “Chloe is due to

have her baby in a little over two months. When the time comes,

Marcus will make a public announcement. Until then, we would

appreciate your discretion–and your friend’s.”

My mind raced, trying to connect the dots. A pregnant woman hidden

away in a remote town, important to the Stone family… I chewed my

lip so hard I tasted blood.

“Mrs. Stone, I can assure you Sophia wouldn’t—”

“Please, Miranda interrupted, her smile never reaching her eyes. “Call

me Miranda. After all, we’re practically family.”

The implication hung in the air between us, heavy and threatening. I

felt a cold sweat break out across my back.

“I’m sure your mother’s treatment is quite expensive,” Miranda

continued. “Silver poisoning requires such specialized care. And

Oliver will likely need physical therapy after his surgery. Young

people struggle to find good employment these days, don’t they? And

then there’s that small stake in Wilson Industries you recently

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acquired…”

My stomach dropped violently. “Holy shit, I muttered, running

shaking fingers through my hair. They knew everything–every

vulnerable point in my life, every person I cared about, every

financial move I’d made. The Stone family had been watching me like

hawks, documenting my every step.

“I understand,‘ I said quietly, defeated. My shoulders slumped visibly.

“I’ll speak to Sophia. She won’t say anything.”

“Wonderful. Miranda beamed, finishing the last bite of her mousse. “I

knew you were reasonable, Elsa. It’s one of your most admirable

qualities.”

She stood up, gathering her purse. “I should be going. Marcus has a

board meeting this afternoon, and I promised to review some

documents with him beforehand.”

I remained seated, feeling numb as Miranda squeezed my shoulder

gently before walking away. I flinched at her touch but forced myself

to remain still. The bell above the café door jingled cheerfully as she

exited, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I hissed under my breath, raking both hands

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