Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 241

Chapter 241: Chapter 241 The Road to Redemption

Joseph’s POV

I stared at the quarterly report without actually seeing it. My mind kept wandering to Ava and how badly I’d messed up. What possessed me to hook up with Sophia that night? Goddess, I was such an idiot. Now Ava won’t even look at me. Yesterday at Draven’s house, she bolted the second I arrived. That’s become our pattern lately; whenever our paths cross, she vanishes before I can say a word.

"Joseph! Hello? Are you even listening?" Eleanor snapped her fingers in front of my face, jolting me back to reality.

"Sorry, Elle," I straightened in my chair. "I zoned out again."

We were in my office at Puma Global. Eleanor had been briefing me on a major client meeting she’d covered for me yesterday. I’d been too hungover to attend. Another stellar decision from Joseph Warren, Alpha of the Silver Pack and supposed business genius.

"As CEO of this company, you need to get your head in the game. Otherwise, I’ll be running this place soon enough." Eleanor crossed her arms. "Actually, if this continues, I’m quitting."

"Maybe you should be CEO. You’d probably do a better job," I muttered.

"What are you saying?" She looked genuinely shocked.

"Exactly that. You could take over the company temporarily until I sort my life out," I explained the idea.

Eleanor rolled her eyes. "Then why don’t you hand over your pack to me too while you’re at it?"

"That’s not happening," I managed a weak smile. "Nate’s Starlight Pack is still waiting for you to become their Luna."

"Be serious for once," Eleanor’s expression hardened. "What kind of Alpha are you? Get your head straight and take control of your life. You need a day to wallow? Fine. But nothing more."

Dean, my wolf, growled in agreement. He was tired of my pathetic moping too. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"Elle, I still haven’t patched things up with Ava. It’s driving me insane," I confessed.

"Listen carefully," Eleanor leaned forward. "Weak wolves abandon their responsibilities. And she-wolves don’t respect weak males. If you want Ava back, prove you’re dependable. Look at yourself – unshaven, hair a mess, wrinkled shirt, crooked tie. I’m starting to wonder if you even shower anymore. This pit of self-pity is pathetic, and she’ll never forgive you if you keep this up."

Her words stung because they were true.

"What should I do? I don’t have energy for anything," I groaned, dropping my forehead onto the cool desk surface.

"First step, breakfast. You need actual food, not just whiskey," Eleanor grabbed my arm. "Let’s go. Now."

Thirty minutes later, we sat at Bella Vita, the upscale café near the office. Eleanor ordered enough food for four people – paninis, pastries, croissants, cappuccinos, and orange juice. She practically force-fed me while we talked.

"So, walking disaster," she asked between bites of her cheese croissant, "what exactly do you do when you’re not here pretending to work?"

"Lately?" I swallowed a mouthful of panini. "I drink. Either alone or at Ryan’s place. But before I start drinking, I usually stop by Draven’s to see Liam."

"That little boy is absolutely precious," Eleanor’s eyes softened. "Getting smarter every day too."

"He’s just like his father." A genuine smile crossed my face. "Draven was always the sharpest in our class growing up. Always quick-witted and charming. We’ve known each other since we were pups. Our parents’ packs had business dealings together."

I paused, memories flooding back. "After his parents died, he became this withdrawn, stressed workaholic. Until Caroline came along..."

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