Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 281

Chapter 281

“No, thank you.” I sat down, folding my hands in my lap to hide their slight tremor. “You mentioned discussing my position?

Instead of answering, he walked to his office door and locked it. My heart rate kicked up immediately, a rush of adrenaline flooding my system.

“I’m afraid I can’t give you the management position we discussed,” he said, returning to his desk.

I stared at him, my mouth falling open in shock. “But you said—*

“I know what I said.” Aiden ran a hand through his hair. “But Drake’s influence is… more extensive than I anticipated.”

My blood ran cold. “What do you mean?” I could feel my face flushing with anger, heat creeping up my neck.

“He’s contacted every company in the city. Told them you’re still his personal assistant, on temporary leave.” Aiden couldn’t meet my eyes. “No one wants to cross Drake Stone, Elsa. Not even for someone as capable as you.”

My hands clenched into fists, nails digging painful crescents into my palms. “So he’s cutting off all my options.” My voice was dangerously

quiet.

“He’s an Alpha protecting what he considers his.” Aiden’s voice was apologetic but firm. “We’re all just pawns in this game between the

two major packs.”

I nodded slowly, understanding dawning. “I don’t blame you, Aiden. Everyone has something they need to protect.” I exhaled sharply, fighting back the urge to flip his desk. “Fuck him and his territorial bullshit.”

“If it helps,” he added hesitantly, “I’ve heard Moonlight Real Estate might be willing to take you on. Joseph Moonlight has enough resources and pack support to stand up to Drake.”

“I see.” I stood up, smoothing down my jacket with trembling hands. “I guess I should resign from your compang now.”

“I’m sorry, Elsa. Really.

“So that’s two percent company shares and a severance package of one hundred thousand dollars,” Aiden said, sliding the papers across his desk. “I’d say it’s fair compensation, considering the circumstances.”

1 stared at the documents, my fingers drumming nervously against my thigh beneath the desk. My expression remained carefully neutral despite the storm of emotions churning inside me. My jaw clenched so tight I could feel a muscle twitching in my cheek. After all the drama with Drake blocking my employment opportunities, Aiden had finally worked out a compromise, I wasn’t getting the management position we’d discussed, but I wasn’t walking away empty-handed either.

“It’s acceptable, I said, signing the papers with quick, decisive strokes that betrayed more anger than I wanted to show. “You know I’m worth more, but we both know I don’t have many fucking options right now.”

10:38 Mon, May 11

Alpha’s Private Plaything