Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 279

Chapter 279

His grip on the steering wheel tightened, knuckles turning white. “Think about it,” he insisted. “You don’t have to answe right away.”

I nodded noncommittally, relief flooding through me as we finally pulled up outside the hospital where my mother was staying. I reached for the door handle before he’d even fully stopped, desperate to escape.

“Thank you for the ride,” I said, already half out of the car.

Bruce caught my wrist, his fingers pressing into my skin just hard enough to be uncomfortable. I winced, a small sound of pain escaping before I could stop it. “I’ll wait for your answer, Elsa,” he said, his voice low. “Don’t make me wait too long.”

I pulled my arm free with enough force to make him frown, my heart pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. “Goodbye, Mr. Wayne,” I said, barely keeping the tremor from my voice.

As I walked toward the hospital entrance, I could feel his eyes on my back, watching me with that same predatory intensity. I suppressed a visible shudder, arms wrapping around myself protectively, knowing instinctively that Bruce

Wayne was not a man to be trusted.

I waited just inside the hospital doors until his car finally pulled away, then circled back toward the street to hail a real

taxi.

“Fucking men,” I muttered under my breath as I finally flagged down a taxi.

The upscale café was nestled between two glass skyscrapers, its elegant façade a stark contrast to the modern architecture surrounding it. I smoothed down my navy pencil skirt, suddenly conscious of how worn it looked compared to the pristine interior. My fingers trembled slightly–a mix of exhaustion and simmering anger from yesterday’s humiliations still

coursing through my veins.

A hostess approached with a practiced smile. “Welcome to Crescent Heights. Do you have a reservation?”

“I’m here to meet Mrs. Stone,” I replied, trying to sound confident despite feeling out of place among the wealthy clientele. My jaw clenched involuntarily at having to say that goddamn name again.

Her demeanor changed instantly. “Of course. Mrs. Stone is expecting you in the private room. Please follow me.

She led me through the main dining area, where business executives and socialites sat at marble tables, speaking in hushed tones over delicate cups of coffee.

Miranda sat poised at a corner table, flipping through a glossy fashion magazine. A pot of tea steamed gently beside her, the aroma rich and floral. She looked up as Lapproached, her face brightening with recognition.

10:23 Sat, May 9

Chapter 279

“Elsa, darling. I was beginning to worry.” She gestured to the chair across from her.

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‘I’m sorry I’m late,” I said, sliding into the seat and digging my nails into my palm under the table. “The traffic was fucking

terrible.” I winced inwardly at the slip–I hadn’t meant to swear.

Miranda’s eyebrows shot up, but she waved away my excuse and crude language. “I know how it is. You need more rest- your skin is looking rather dull.” Her concern seemed genuine despite the backhanded comment. “How is your mother

doing?”

“Better, thank you. The new treatment seems to be working.” I shifted uncomfortably, my body tense with the effort of

maintaining civility.

“Good, good.” She poured tea into a delicate porcelain cup for me. I’ve brought something for you.” She slid a small wooden box across the table. “Herbal supplements. They’re wonderful for fatigue. I take them myself.”

I accepted the box with murmured thanks, though I doubted I’d use them. My wariness must have turned the box over in my hands, fighting the urge to toss it into the nearest trash can

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