Joseph’s POV
I’d been on the West Coast for two weeks now, with Beta Jared accompanying . I had expected to et 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 so novice not worth Kenneth’s ti. Dean rumbled his displeasure in my head.
After touring their company, I had to admit it was impressive—extensive operations, nurous projects. They genuinely needed advanced technology and internal managent 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 na flash across the screen made tense imdiately. Flora had specifically asked him not to contact , so sothing must be wrong. I opened the ssage and froze at the words.
"If you don’t want to lose Ava completely, you better end your trip and co back now."
What the hell? I imdiately called my nephew.
"Antonio, what’s the aning of this ssage?" 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 ."
"I just ran into Ava at the mall. She was going to see a cody movie with so guy nad Kenneth. Don’t know him, but he’s pretty good-looking and seed nice. Oh, and she looked absolutely gorgeous!" Antonio was deliberately provoking , and it was working.
Dean went ballistic inside . "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 confird everything. Of course Ava attracted attention—she was beautiful and captivating. But having an actual rival for her affection was driving insane with jealousy.
"I’m coming ho," I declared through clenched teeth.
"Finally!" Antonio sounded relieved.
"Thank you, kid."
I hung up and imdiately 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 ga Kenneth was playing with Ava.
After landing, I made a brief stop at ho to drop off my luggage and shower, but it no longer felt like ho without Ava there. The emptiness increased my anxiety. I couldn’t return to the apartnt either—if I showed up there unannounced, Ava might never forgive .
"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 exclaid, rising from her desk to embrace .
"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 lancholic.
"You’re back," she said simply.
"Yes, crazy girl, I’m back. Did you miss ?" I smiled, but her somber expression remained. "I know Nate is doing well, Eleanor, so what’s going on?"
"You were gone for two weeks because of ." Eleanor pouted.
"Co on, let’s talk." I sighed, motioning for her to follow to my office.
She trailed behind like a wilted lettuce leaf, completely unlike Eleanor’s usual vibrant presence.
"Sit down," I instructed while removing my jacket.
"Alpha Joseph, I want to apologize and submit my resignation," Eleanor said, her eyes fixed on the floor.
"Eleanor, have you lost your mind?" I was genuinely shocked. I couldn’t lose my assistant like this. "Explain to what’s going through that chaotic head of yours."
"Joseph, I went too far. I interfered between you and Ava, gave bad advice, and now you’re separated because of . That incident with the files was completely inappropriate. It’s unacceptable." Eleanor was visibly upset.
"Yes, Eleanor, you did cross a line," I sighed. "But who hasn’t? I crossed lines too, and as your boss, I shouldn’t have punished you. Besides, regardless of what advice you gave, Ava isn’t easily manipulated—she made her own choices."
"Joseph, I feel ashad. I’ve been thinking a lot while you were away. I talked to my father about this, and he said if it were him, he would have fired already." The guilt in her voice was unmistakable.
"Listen, Eleanor, let’s put this behind us. You’re an excellent professional, and I enjoy having you around. We’re friends, and friends forgive each other. Your father assured you’d last more than six months here anyway," I joked, but she didn’t laugh. "Can we learn from our mistakes and move forward? I really don’t want to lose you."
"Are you angry with ?" she asked childishly.
"Not anymore. This trip was good for . It gave ti to think and see things more objectively. Now I just want to look ahead and work on winning Ava back."
"Then I’m not resigning." Eleanor managed a small smile.
"Great! How’s Ava doing?"
"I don’t want to get involved anymore, Joseph." Eleanor stood up.
"Damn it, Eleanor! You won’t help ?" She looked at uncertainly.
"How far has Kenneth gotten with Ava?" I asked directly. "Tell this, and then you’re out of it."
"Kenneth sounds familiar, but I’ve definitely never heard Ava ntion him." Eleanor frowned in confusion.
I stared directly into her eyes. She’d been caring for sick Nate, so she might genuinely be out of the loop.
"I swear I don’t know," she insisted, and I believed her.
After Eleanor left my office, I called Ryan to arrange dinner at a restaurant we hadn’t visited in ages. Then I called Flora, asking her to send Antonio over for lunch. She predictably complained that I hadn’t visited her since returning from my trip. By lunchti, my nephew arrived.
"Uncle Joseph! Good to see you back." Antonio strode confidently into my office.
"As if you didn’t know I’d return, little troublemaker!" I embraced my nephew.
"Ah, you couldn’t bear to be without ! Inviting to lunch as soon as you’re back. That’s true love!" Antonio teased.
"Don’t push it, kid. You know exactly what I want from you."
"Of course. So," Antonio held up one finger, "you’re taking to that place downtown with the best steak and fries in the city."
"Already taking advantage..." I rolled my eyes, grabbing my jacket from the chair as Antonio walked out laughing.
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