Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 322

Chapter 322: Chapter 322 Apology Gift

Ava’s POV

After spending the night with the girls, I felt remarkably better. Female solidarity heals the soul like nothing else. I took extra time with my makeup to hide last night’s crying damage and boost my confidence.

As I applied mascara, Mom’s words kept echoing. "Sometimes the best solution is a fresh start somewhere new." She was planning to leave Harbor Bay for a better job. But where would we go? Would moving just be running away? Those three threatening notes were still under my mattress, reminding me of unfinished business.

I sighed, closing my makeup compact. Maybe I should finally get serious about my witch heritage. I needed to start practicing more, learn to protect myself properly.

My magical abilities were pretty pathetic compared to Mom’s. I could barely light a candle without setting my eyebrows on fire, while she could probably level a building if she wanted to.

Maybe after my movie night with Theo, I’d pull an all-nighter with Mom’s old spellbook. Time to get my act together. The thought made me snort. It felt like cramming for the SATs all over again, except with way more potential for accidentally cursing someone.

After getting to the office, I caught up with Caroline. Theo had already confirmed our movie plans for later.

My office phone rang.

"Ava Flynn speaking," I answered.

"Ms. Flynn, there’s a young girl here to see you. Says she’s Louise Garcia?" the receptionist informed me.

Louise? Joseph’s niece? I frowned, momentarily confused. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Send her up, please," I replied.

Caroline was leaning against my desk when the elevator opened. Out stepped Louise, looking like a tiny ballerina in her pink leotard. Her golden hair was pulled into a perfect bun, bangs framing bright green eyes. She looked just like her mother.

"Aunt Ava!" Louise glided over with ballet grace. "I’ve missed you so much!"

"Sweetie, I’ve missed you too!" I hugged her tightly before pulling back to look at her. "Let me see you, you look absolutely stunning in your ballet outfit!"

"Thank you!" Louise beamed. "I was at class and thought I’d stop by before going home."

"Louise, this is my friend Caroline. She’s Alpha Draven’s girlfriend," I introduced them.

Louise turned to Caroline with the same enthusiasm. "Nice to meet you! Uncle Draven is really nice. He always gives me extra dessert when Mom’s not looking."

"I bet he does," Caroline laughed.

"Aunt Ava, I brought these for you." Louise handed me a single red rose, a card, and an elegantly wrapped box of chocolates.

"Let me guess, these are from your uncle?" I asked, noticing Caroline’s amused smile.

"Yes." Louise sighed dramatically. "Look, Aunt Ava, he’s being really stupid, and I think you should punish him like my teacher does with the boys who misbehave in class, but you should also forgive him because he really likes you. Boys are just dumb, Aunt Ava."

"And why do you think he likes me so much?" I asked curiously.

"Because if he didn’t, he wouldn’t have agreed to my terms to bring you these things," Louise replied matter-of-factly while Caroline struggled to contain her laughter.

"And what exactly were your terms?" I raised an eyebrow.

Louise sat down like a proper young lady, crossing her ankles. "He got me the tablet I’ve been wanting that Mom always says no to."

I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Fine, he also has to convince Mom to let me have a puppy AND buy everything the puppy needs, AND—"

"There’s more?" Caroline asked, thoroughly entertained.

"Of course! My price is as big as the mistake my uncle made." Louise justified with such conviction that I high-fived her. "He also has to take me shopping and pay for everything."

"Girl, you are brilliant!" Caroline laughed, sliding into the seat next to Louise.

"But my mom can’t know I’m helping him, okay?" Louise whispered conspiratorially.

"Well, look who’s here, our little chatterbox," Kyle said, following Ryan into the room.

Louise greeted everyone with perfect poise before straightening her shoulders and giving a beauty-pageant wave goodbye.

"Everyone, I must go. It was lovely seeing you all." She blew a kiss and stepped into the elevator.

"Wow, that girl is like a little doll!" Kyle commented.

"Yeah, she’s absolutely gorgeous," I agreed, opening the chocolate box and offering it around.

When I left the office, Theo was waiting outside, dressed up in a button-down shirt with his hair pulled back.

"Wow, you look stunning," he said, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek before opening the car door.

We’d planned to see an action movie. I appreciated that Theo kept things comfortable, suggesting this film instead of some cliché romance. He had everything ready—tickets and snacks pre-ordered online.

We were collecting our popcorn when someone called my name. I closed my eyes, somehow knowing this wouldn’t be simple.

"Aunt Ava! What a coincidence!" Antonio shouted.

I turned to see Antonio and Mia with an older woman I didn’t recognize.

"Movie night on a school night?" I asked, surprised since Flora was usually strict about weeknight outings.

"Mia and her sister invited me, and since I aced my tests, Mom said yes," Antonio explained, showing me his ticket. "We’re seeing the same movie!"

"Where are the girls?" Antonio looked around for my usual crew.

"Just me and a friend tonight," I said, waving Theo over.

Theo turned around and nearly dropped the popcorn and drinks. The color drained from his face as if he’d seen a ghost.