Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 321

Chapter 321: Chapter 321 Bribing My Niece

Joseph’s POV

I handed my credit card to Antonio, watching him grin like he’d just won the lottery.

"Get everything on the list, and pick up something special for Louise," I instructed.

As he practically skipped out the door, I immediately regretted giving him unlimited access to my finances. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and I needed an accomplice.

At four-thirty, I clutched my head and staggered into Eleanor’s office.

"I’ve got the worst migraine," I moaned, collapsing into her chair. "Please tell me I can go home before this gets worse."

Eleanor looked up from her paperwork, eyebrow raised skeptically. "The CEO of Puma Global needs permission to leave early?"

"You know how it is," I said, massaging my temples for effect. "If I just disappear, you’ll be annoyed, and frankly, that’s scarier than any board meeting."

She rolled her eyes but waved me away. "Fine, go. But I expect you bright-eyed tomorrow morning for the presentation."

"You’re an angel," I called over my shoulder, already halfway out the door.

I raced downstairs where Antonio and my driver were waiting by the curb. My nephew had several shopping bags at his feet and a smug expression on his face.

"How much damage did you do to my card?" I asked, eyeing the bags.

"Enough," he replied with a grin. "Louise will be finishing ballet in twenty minutes."

We pulled up to the dance studio just as classes were ending. Out came Louise, dressed in her pink leotard and tights, blonde hair neatly arranged in a flawless bun. The moment she spotted me, her innocent face transformed into pure suspicion.

"Uncle Joseph, whatever Antonio told you I’d do, I didn’t agree to anything!" she announced without even a hello. "He’s always getting in trouble because of you!"

"Is that any way to greet your favorite uncle?" I asked, bending down to kiss her cheek. "And what if I told you I heard a certain little ballerina has been begging for a new tablet with a pink case?"

Her eyes widened as I presented the carefully wrapped package.

"For me? Really?" she gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.

"All yours, princess."

Louise tore through the wrapping paper, revealing the top-of-the-line tablet Antonio had selected. My sister Flora wasn’t one to indulge the kids’ every whim—something about teaching fiscal responsibility. But I wasn’t their father; I was their uncle, and spoiling them was my right.

"Thank you! You’re the best uncle ever!" She threw her arms around my neck and planted a kiss on my cheek. Then she pulled back, eyes narrowing. "But I’m not doing anything for you."

She climbed into the car, clutching her new tablet like it might disappear.

Antonio doubled over laughing while I stood there feeling like the most transparent man alive.

"Nice try, Uncle Joseph," he whispered as he passed me.

I slid into the backseat beside Louise while Antonio took the front passenger seat.

"Louise, sweetheart, help me out here. It’s nothing major, I swear. Aren’t I your favorite uncle in the whole world?" I gave her my best puppy-dog eyes.

"You’re my only uncle!" she replied matter-of-factly. Her small face turned serious as she buckled her seatbelt. "You said you missed me, but you want something. What is it?"

Dean chuckled in my head. "She’s got your number."

"I need your help with Ava," I admitted.

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