Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 370

Chapter 370: Chapter 370 The Return

Joseph’s POV 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

I’d been on the West Coast for two weeks now, with Beta Jared accompanying me. I had expected to meet Alpha Kenneth in person, considering he was the one who proposed this partnership. Instead, his Beta Owen greeted us.

"Alpha Kenneth has many pressing matters in Harbor Bay, especially with the new market expansion," Owen explained.

I understood, but it still felt disrespectful. Like I was some novice not worth Kenneth’s time. Dean rumbled his displeasure in my head.

After touring their company, I had to admit it was impressive—extensive operations, numerous projects. They genuinely needed advanced technology and internal management systems. This partnership could generate substantial profits for Puma Global.

I had just finished dinner after finalizing contract details with FlashPoint Industries’ project manager when my phone vibrated. Seeing Antonio’s name flash across the screen made me tense immediately. Flora had specifically asked him not to contact me, so something must be wrong. I opened the message and froze at the words.

"If you don’t want to lose Ava completely, you better end your trip and come back now."

What the hell? I immediately called my nephew.

"Antonio, what’s the meaning of this message?" I demanded before he could speak.

"Good evening to you too, uncle. I’m fine, thanks for asking," Antonio replied with his characteristic sarcasm.

"Cut the crap and answer me."

"I just ran into Ava at the mall. She was going to see a comedy movie with some guy named Kenneth. Don’t know him, but he’s pretty good-looking and seemed nice. Oh, and she looked absolutely gorgeous!" Antonio was deliberately provoking me, and it was working.

Dean went ballistic inside me. "That old fox Kenneth invited us here for ’business’ while he’s trying to move in on Ava behind our back?"

"Exactly!" I growled out loud.

That crafty, manipulative bastard. I’d been suspicious of his repeated attempts to get close to Ava, but this confirmed everything. Of course Ava attracted attention—she was beautiful and captivating. But having an actual rival for her affection was driving me insane with jealousy.

"I’m coming home," I declared through clenched teeth.

"Finally!" Antonio sounded relieved.

"Thank you, kid."

I hung up and immediately called my pilot, ordering him to prepare everything for our departure tonight. The nearly ten-hour flight was excruciating. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t settle, desperate to understand what game Kenneth was playing with Ava.

After landing, I made a brief stop at home to drop off my luggage and shower, but it no longer felt like home without Ava there. The emptiness increased my anxiety. I couldn’t return to the apartment either—if I showed up there unannounced, Ava might never forgive me.

"I’m checking into a hotel," I muttered to myself before turning to leave.

I booked the best suite in the city’s finest hotel, showered again, dressed impeccably, and headed to the office.

"Finally! I missed you terribly!" Julia exclaimed, rising from her desk to embrace me.

"I wasn’t gone that long, Julia," I hugged her back, handing her a small package. "But I didn’t forget about you." I always brought her gifts from my travels.

"That’s why I always look forward to your return," Julia joked, accepting her present with delight.

I walked into Eleanor’s office next. She was so absorbed in her work she didn’t notice my arrival. I placed her gift bag on her desk.

"You don’t deserve this, but I’m an excellent boss anyway!" I joked. She looked up, her expression surprisingly melancholic.

"You’re back," she said simply.

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