Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 249

Chapter 249

Elsa

“By giving you time to recover,” he countered. “The files in the study need your attention. When you’ve reviewed them, we can discuss

your return to work.”

“This is insane,” I hissed, kicking the base of the door hard enough that pain shot through my foot. “You can’t just ”

“I’ve changed the security codes,” Drake continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “For your own protection, of course. After what happened with Samuel and now your mother’s condition, it’s clear you need closer supervision.”

“Supervision?” I repeated, incredulous. “I’m not a child, Drake. I’m a grown woman with responsibilities. I’m not your fucking pet!”

“You’re my responsibility,” he said, his voice hardening. “And it’s time you accepted that.”

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The line went dead. I stared at my phone in disbelief, then threw it against the couch with a scream of frustration. “FUCK YOU!” I shouted at the empty apartment, my voice echoing off the high ceilings. This was beyond controlling–this was imprisonment.

I stormed to the front door, trying every override code I knew, my fingers jabbing at the keypad with increasing desperation. None worked. I slammed my shoulder against the door, knowing it was futile but needing to do something, anything to fight back. The windows in the apartment didn’t open more than a few inches—a safety feature in high–rises that now felt like another bar in my cage.

“Goddamn it!” I muttered, pressing my forehead against the cool glass of the window, looking down at the city below. People moved freely on the streets, unaware that twenty floors above them, a woman was trapped in a gilded cage.

After exhausting every possible escape route, I finally made my way to the study, fury propelling each step. My hands were shaking with rage, and I could feel my pulse pounding in my temples. If Drake wanted me to review these files so badly, fine. I’d read every damn word and then throw them in his face when he returned.

The folder on the desk was thick, bound with a black leather cover embossed with the Stone Enterprises logo. I flipped it open with enough force to bend the cover, expecting some tedious business proposal.

Instead, I found myself looking at a comprehensive partnership agreement between Stone Enterprises and Wayne Industries. The signature at the bottom belonged to Bruce Wayne, CEO of Wayne Industries and a powerful figure from the outer territories of the Black Obsidian

pack.

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I scanned the terms of the agreement, quickly identifying the unusual aspects. My eyebrows shot up as I reread certain clauses. Wayne Industries was accepting a significantly lower percentage than market value–nearly 30% below what they could have demanded from

other partners.

This was the deal Drake had been working on when we were at the island resort. The one I’d accused him of trying to secure by offering

me to Bruce.

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10:49 Tue, Apr 28

Chapter 249

Shit, I whispered, sinking into the chair, the papers trembling slightly in my hands. Was this his way of proving I’d been wrong? That be hadn’t been planning to use me as a bargaining chip? The timing seemed too convenient, the terms too favorable to the Black Obsidian

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