Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 350

Chapter 350: Chapter 350 Joseph’s Painful Past

Ava’s POV

Hedi looked at me with her green eyes, the same striking color as her children’s. The warmth she radiated made me feel strangely calm.

"You knew all along that my ex-husband was worthless, didn’t you?" Hedi began.

"Oh Hedi, how could someone as wonderful as you stay married to that awful Alpha for so long?"

"Ah, dear, that’s all in the past now. My marriage to Steward was just a business arrangement. My father was a traditional Alpha, and I was his only daughter. He believed for the good of the pack, he needed to find an Alpha to lead its future. He thought marrying me off to his best friend’s son was the ideal solution."

She continued her story. "My father always knew about Steward’s infidelity, but he would say that’s just how Alpha males are. I wasn’t Steward’s fated mate, so it was inevitable he would fall for someone else. My father warned that if Steward’s fated mate appeared, he would abandon me anyway. He even threatened that if I left Steward, I would have no one to care for me, would end up on the streets, and lose my children. So I endured it all in silence."

"Until he ran off with another woman," I added.

"Exactly! By then my father was gravely ill, and I was legally responsible for him and all his assets. When father fell ill, I refused to give Steward power of attorney. Joseph was already of age, so I had him replace Steward as Alpha, taking control of both the pack and the company, preventing Steward from touching anything. After losing his Alpha position, Steward squandered almost everything he’d inherited, except for Puma Global. If I hadn’t stepped in with the support of my son-in-law Scott and some friends to help Joseph successfully take over Puma Global... if I’d been the obedient wife to that bastard, the children and I would have ended up homeless."

As Hedi shared her story, it was as if she had traveled back in time and witnessed it all again. Looking at her now, so cheerful and vibrant, always traveling everywhere, it was hard to imagine what a strong woman she truly was.

"I had no idea you did all that," I commented.

"Oh yes, I manage the companies my father left behind. I’m also on the board of Joseph’s company. After my father passed away, we bought out all of Steward’s shares and removed him from the company. We paid him a substantial amount for those shares, far more than they were worth, but it was the wisest decision we ever made. Joseph helps me manage my other businesses too, and I hope he’ll take over everything soon. But I want Antonio to be his right-hand man—I’m just waiting until my grandson turns eighteen," she said with a smile.

"Antonio is very intelligent and absolutely adores his uncle," I remarked.

"Yes, and he adores you too." Her words made me smile. "Do you know which woman Steward left his wife for?"

"From what I understand, she was some opportunistic young girl," I replied, finding her question strange.

"No, you don’t know." She gave a small laugh. "My son doesn’t know that I know." She lowered her head as if engaged in an internal struggle. "I’ve always feared that if he found out I knew, he would feel even more guilty."

"What do you mean?"

"Ava, Joseph was eighteen when his father left home. Their relationship was terrible. Nothing Joseph did was ever good enough, despite being excellent at everything. He was a good son, outstanding student, and great athlete; he excelled at everything." I listened intently to Hedi’s words.

"Was he seeking his father’s approval?" I asked, and she nodded. "You know, I’ve seen firsthand how that bastard treats Antonio. If he treated Joseph the same way, I understand completely."

"It was worse for Joseph. The humiliation, punishment, even physical discipline, and those cruel jokes. Steward declared that everything he did was meant to teach an Alpha to be tough and capable. Joseph suffered since childhood, and I was powerless to protect him."

Her eyes welled with tears. "I made a mistake by hiding their father’s true nature from the children. I never told them about the women, the humiliation I endured, his coldness toward them. I just wanted peace at home. Then, when Joseph turned eighteen, he got a girlfriend named Nicole, who was twenty. He fell in love and longed for his father’s approval. Before bringing her home, he introduced her to Steward, who ended up stealing his son’s girlfriend and filing for divorce."

"That’s horrible, absolutely horrific!" I was shocked.

"Hedi, the problem is that Joseph betrayed me."

"I told you everything so you’d understand what Steward did to Joseph, how he messed with his mind. Now do you see the impact that terrible photo had on Joseph?"

"I understand now, Hedi, but here’s the problem." I took out my phone and showed her the photo I’d received of Joseph with that harlot. "This photo was taken yesterday. He’s asking for forgiveness, but he’s still seeing that tramp."

"Are you certain things are as they appear? Or are you acting impulsively like my son?" Hedi narrowed her eyes.

"Well, Eleanor pointed that out, and she’s going to help me investigate."

"Ah, Alpha Gerald’s family! Such loyal friends, good people. Look into it carefully—I’m certain things aren’t as simple as they seem. That girl’s father is Steward’s Beta, and he’s no better. If this is all a trap, I wouldn’t be surprised. They’ve always wanted Joseph to be with her. I’ve also heard that Beta Elton is facing bankruptcy." Hedi seemed to know everything.

"I’ll be careful, Hedi. I promise."

"Wonderful! Here comes your gentleman! My handsome son!" She beamed at her son. "Bring some desserts for the important women in your life."

Joseph smiled at his mother, caressed my back, and as he turned to get the sweets, I called out, "The woman in your life wants cake too!"

He gave me a heart-melting smile. Maybe his mother was right, he deserved all of this.