Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 238

Invisible

Chapter 238

From the doorway, Drake watched me, his eyes tracking my movements. I felt his gaze like a physical touch, invasive and possessive. I turned my back to him, shoulders hunched defensively.

“You’ve lost weight, he observed, his tone casual, as if commenting on the weather. “You look terrible.”

“Screw you,” I whispered, but there was no energy behind it. I focused on getting dressed as quickly as possible, my movements jerky and uncoordinated. When I was finished, I turned to face him, keeping my chin high despite the humiliation burning through me like acid.

Drake poured himself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light as he swirled it. “You’ll move back here today. Bring all your

things.*

“Fine,‘ I agreed, too exhausted to argue. My shoulders slumped in defeat, and I ran a trembling hand through my damp hair. All that

mattered was Mom.

“I won’t bother you tonight,” he continued, taking a slow sip. “But you’ll be available whenever I call. Understand that I’m not a charity,

Elsa.”

I lowered my head, accepting his terms without a word, my throat working convulsively as I swallowed back the bitter taste of surrender.

Without looking at him again, I walked out of the apartment, my footsteps heavy and dragging, heading back to the hospital where my mother waited, unaware of the devil’s bargain I had just made for her survival.

I pushed through the hospital’s double doors, my legs heavy with exhaustion. The antiseptic smell hit me immediately–that sterile, clinical scent that always made my stomach clench and my wolf recoil. A nurse at the reception desk looked up as I approached, her eyes

widening in recognition.

“Ms. Hale, the specialists are already with your mother.” She gestured toward the corridor. “Dr. Far is waiting to speak with you.”

I nodded my thanks and headed down the hallway, where a tall man in a white coat stood reviewing charts on a tablet.

“Dr. Far?” My voice came out hoarse, ragged from crying and lack of sleep.

He looked up, his expression professionally compassionate. “Ms. Hale. I’m leading the team Mr. Stone arranged.”

Of course fucking Drake would send the best. Not out of kindness, but because I was his investment now.

“How is she?” I asked, dreading the answer, my nails digging half–moons into my palms.

“Your mother’s condition is critical but stable. The silver poisoning has affected sixty–five percent of her heart tissue.” He swiped through several images on his tablet. “Given her age and the severity of her condition, immediate surgery would pose significant risks.”

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Chapter 238

My stomach dropped like a stone. So what does that mean? You can’t be

We’ve scheduled the procedure for the day after tomorrow. This will give us time to ra implant. He paused, studying my face. The artificial heart has arrived, Ms. Hale, Ire

available worldwide.”

I swallowed hard, nodding mechanically. Another debt to Drake.

“Can I see her?”

“Briefly. She’s heavily sedated.”

I settled into the uncomfortable plastic chair outside the ICU, my back aching after hours of sitting. Through the glass, I could see Mom small form almost swallowed by machines and tubes. Her caretaker, stood awkwardly before me, her bag clutched in white–rackled

hands.

“I’m very sorry, Ms. Hale, but I can’t continue working in these circumstances.”

I looked up, momentarily confused, my brain foggy from exhaustion, “What?”

“The silver poisoning…” She shifted uncomfortably, refusing to meet my eyes. “It’s contagious in late stages. I have children at home. I

can’t risk-

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