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.

"All I need is for you to go to Uncle Draven’s office after ballet each day and give Ava a card, some flowers, and a small gift until she forgives me. Which she will, very soon! That’s it!"

"Uncle Joseph..." I recognized that tone. This favor would cost me.

"If you help me, I’ll convince your mom to let you have a puppy, and I’ll buy everything the puppy needs." Her eyes lit up like Christmas lights. I had her.

"I want the puppy AND some shopping money, and you have to take me to the mall yourself," she countered, looking me dead in the eyes.

I recognized this hustle; I’d seen it when I encountered Nina at the cosmetics store. Damn, I was being extorted by another tiny con artist! I sighed deeply.

"Deal. But your mother can’t know about any of this. If she asks, we’re spending time together because I love my niece and nephew, I need company, and I want to spoil you both." I leaned back in my seat, defeated. Antonio and the driver were enjoying this show immensely.

"The biggest gossip in the family is that big head right there," she said, pointing at Antonio.

"I heard that, squirt!" he protested.

"Now your turn, Alfonso," I addressed my driver, who was still chuckling. "What’s your price for silence and taking the long route home?"

"Don’t worry, Alpha Joseph. If Miss Flora finds out, just make sure I keep my job." Alfonso had been with our family since I was a kid. He was loyal and honest—rare qualities these days. But I’d make sure to slip him something extra for this "service."

"You have my word," I assured him with a grin. "Now, let’s head to Thorne Enterprises."

Dean’s voice echoed in my head as we drove. "You’re being played by a ballet dancer who barely reaches your waist."

"Shut up," I thought back. "You have any better ideas?"

"Not really," he admitted. "But this is definitely going in our pack history books. Alpha Joseph Garcia: defeated by an eight-year-old negotiator."