Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 361

Chapter 361: Chapter 361 Game On

Joseph’s POV

I felt like a caged beast. Last night with Ava was beyond torture. If she didn’t want to have sex, that was her right and I’d respect it. But to deliberately arouse me all night while preventing me from finding release? Pure cruelty.

My patience had worn thin. Today, anything could set me off. I paced around my office, staring out the window when Julia walked in with a coffee cup.

"Good morning, Alpha Joseph! Rough night?" she asked with a knowing smirk.

I narrowed my eyes. "How could you possibly know that?"

"No need for details. You’re practically vibrating with tension!" Julia handed me the cup. "Lucky for you, I like you. And I happened to overhear something you might find interesting."

My attention snapped fully to her. "I’m listening."

"I’ll tell you, and you’ll use this information to fix whatever’s going on between you and Ava. She’s the one for you."

"Just spit it out, Julia." She glared at me and I rolled my eyes, sighing.

"Fine, I’ll do whatever you suggest. What did you hear?"

"The girls were video chatting. I overheard Ava talking about what she did to you last night. Honestly, it was hilarious." She chuckled. "Serves you right. Maybe you’ll learn to keep your lower half under control next time."

"Get to the point, Julia. I’m not in the mood."

"It’s all planned. They actually coordinated to mess with you guys tonight, but apparently you’re the only one who suffered." Julia’s laughter only made my scowl deepen. "She said it was hard pretending not to be interested in you. She wants you badly, but she’s determined to punish you."

"Let me guess. Eleanor’s sick idea?"

"I wouldn’t bet against it. Yes, your lovely assistant masterminded the whole thing."

Dean growled inside me. "We should teach them both a lesson."

"Oh, we absolutely will," I replied silently.

"Julia, those two are going to pay for this. And you’ll be receiving a nice gift today." I handed the coffee cup back. "I’m leaving before Eleanor returns. If she asks, tell her I’m having coffee with a client."

I rushed out, my mind already formulating my revenge. This little game of theirs was about to end.

At the mall, I realized I’d spent more time shopping lately than I had in years. First, I bought Julia a designer bag from one of her favorite brands—my loyal employee deserved it. Then I hit a pharmacy for a few items, followed by a stationery store. My final stop was a toy store.

Back at the office, I called Julia aside and presented her gift.

"You’re the best boss ever!" she whispered excitedly. "I’ll take this to my car so Eleanor doesn’t see it."

"Good. Then hurry back to watch what I do to her."

"Be careful! If she figures out you’re up to something, she’ll rip your soul from your body." Julia’s warning was valid, I needed to be cautious.

Eleanor followed me into my office with that smug smile plastered across her face. She knew she’d gotten under my skin. But by the end of the day, I guaranteed she wouldn’t be smiling anymore.

"Joseph, who did you have coffee with? Nothing was on your schedule." Eleanor’s nosiness was exactly what I’d counted on.

"A potential client. Hopefully I made a good impression." I turned away, poured water, then sat down and swallowed two pills—fake ones, of course. My plan was in motion.

"Joseph, what are those pills?"

"Terrible headache," I said simply. "What’s on the agenda today?"

Eleanor started talking, but I interrupted her. Time for her punishment.

"Elle, I need you to handle a somewhat tedious task for me." My tone was deadly serious.

"What do you mean?" she asked suspiciously.

"That potential client I met for coffee has been with our company since the early days, decades ago."

"Oh my God, Joseph! This is torture," Eleanor groaned, hands on her head. "But if it has to be done, then fine."

Julia entered with a laptop I’d prepared earlier. It looked connected to our company system, but wasn’t. Nothing Eleanor entered would make it to our database.

"Here, use this laptop. It’s configured with everything you need. This machine is better suited for the task."

"Fine. Who’s the client?" Eleanor surrendered.

"Millionaire Financial. An employee in the archives will help you locate those boxes."

"I’ve never heard of this company," Eleanor muttered.

"It’s a giant, Elle. Joseph is smart," Julia supported me, but I caught the double meaning in her words.

"I’ll get going then. My schedule’s clear. Call if you need me."

"Thank you so much, Elle." I placed my hands over my heart, looking at her as if she’d done something extraordinary.

Eleanor left, shoulders slumped. Julia shot me a disapproving look.

"Joseph, you’ve gone too far. Millionaire Financial never stopped being our client—they just changed their name. How long are you planning to punish her?"

"There’s enough information in there to keep her typing for a month!" I laughed. "But I’ll be merciful."

"When she finds out, you’re dead!" Julia drew her finger across her throat.

"We’ll deal with that later. Now I’m starting phase two of my plan."

"Which is?"

"My dear Ava!" I grinned wickedly as Dean rumbled with satisfaction inside me.