CHAPTER 308: CHAPTER 308 PICKING A FIGHT

Joseph’s POV

My behavior had been erratic for several days. I was on edge, careless with my work, and barely spending any time in the office. Eleanor had been giving me space, assuming it was because of my father, but I suspected she was beginning to doubt that explanation.

"You look like hell," Dean, my wolf, commented as I stared blankly at my phone screen. "Can’t keep running from your problems forever."

"Shut up," I growled internally. "I don’t need your commentary right now."

I was still staring at my phone when Eleanor knocked on my door.

"Joseph, do you have a minute?" she asked, poking her head in.

"Sure, Eleanor, come in," I answered, my eyes still fixed on my phone.

"What’s wrong?" she asked directly, settling into the chair across from me.

"What do you mean ’what’s wrong?’" I replied, a bit coldly.

"That expression on your face," she said, pointing at me.

"Oh, it’s nothing. Just thought it was strange to receive a mind-link from Beta Jared asking me to come to the social club," I explained.

"Oh Joseph, what have you done now?" Eleanor laughed, knowing the social club only called members when rules had been broken.

"You always assume the worst, don’t you, Eleanor?!" I shot back.

"Of course! Your past is your curse!" she teased.

"Hmm." I tried to smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. "Tell me, what do you need?"

"I need to know what’s going on," she said, and I felt the blood drain from my face.

"W-what... um... what are you talking about?"

"She doesn’t know about Ava," Dean said in my mind. "But she can sense something’s wrong. You’re not exactly subtle, you know."

"Exactly!" she pointed at me. "What trouble have you gotten yourself into now?"

"Eleanor, I..." My face turned ashen, words failing me.

"Joseph, out with it!" she demanded sharply, making me flinch.

Thankfully, the phone rang, saving me from having to answer. Julia rushed into the office looking flustered.

"Joseph, I’m sorry, but your father is causing a scene in the reception area," Julia reported, and I rubbed my face in frustration.

"For fuck’s sake! When will that useless man leave me alone?" I exploded. I picked up the phone and dialed security. "Send two security guards to escort Steward Garcia to my office. Nowhere else, straight to my office."

I hung up and looked at Eleanor with annoyance in my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I continued,"Eleanor, isn’t this enough? The man is insufferable!" I tried to regulate my breathing to calm myself. "If you and Julia want to leave to avoid him, go ahead."

"Your father brings out the worst in you," Dean observed. "But remember who you are. You’re the Alpha of the Nightbane Pack. Don’t let him see your weakness."

I straightened my shoulders, letting my Alpha presence fill the room subtly.

"No, Joseph. I’m staying to help you deal with him," Eleanor said. As the daughter of Alpha Gerald from Blood Moon Pack, she wasn’t one to back down from confrontation.

Soon enough, security arrived with a bellowing Steward Garcia in tow. I met them in the reception area and instructed the security guards to stay close.

"Steward, what do you want now?" I asked, my voice taking on the commanding edge that came naturally to an Alpha. The security guards, both wolves from my pack, instinctively lowered their heads.

"You know what I want, you little punk!" Steward roared with rage.

"And I’ve already told you that you’re not getting it," I replied firmly.

"I’m going to crush you, you insolent brat. Always defying me, always interfering, always thinking you’re better than me, but you’re not!" Steward began, and I realized I’d never seen someone so petty in my entire life. "I’m going to take everything from you, and I’ve already started." He flashed a malicious grin.

"Joseph, what is he talking about?" Eleanor asked.

"Nothing important," I answered dismissively. "You madman, get out of here and stop harassing everyone!"

"No, I won’t leave. I’m going to take this company from you! You think you can match me? You can’t. I’m going to manipulate your sister into transferring all her shares to me. You know she’ll do anything I say, the fool, so desperate for daddy’s attention. Then I’ll have a prominent position on the company board, and I’ll turn everyone against you until, when you least expect it, I’ll have you thrown out."

Just then, the elevator doors opened and Flora stepped out, overhearing our father’s appalling words. Tears streamed down her face as she listened. I was carefully considering what to say, my eyes fixed on my sister standing behind our father, when Eleanor decided to take control of the situation.

"You despicable excuse for an Alpha!" she said coldly. "If you can even be called Alpha. You’re nothing but a disgusting, opportunistic parasite. Thankfully, Joseph and Flora had an amazing mother who raised them well, and they’re nothing like you."

"Who do you think you are, you little slut?" Steward turned on Eleanor. "Just because you come from a prestigious family, you think you’re something special? Ha, you’re nothing special. You’re just a spoiled little bitch!"

"Keep going! Your insults don’t work on me because your opinion means absolutely nothing!" Eleanor said, moving closer to him. "Now listen carefully. Security is going to throw you out onto the street, and you are never to pass in front of this building again. You will not harass your children or grandchildren anymore, or I promise that whatever tricks you try to pull, that generous monthly allowance will be cut off, and you’ll end up begging outside churches. Before you try any stunts, I guarantee I have the power to make that happen! Do you understand?" She shouted the last word in his face, and he looked at her in terror.

"Who do you think you are?" he glared at her.

"Eleanor Larson! I believe my reputation precedes me," Eleanor said confidently. "I can even make you disappear. Want to try me?"

"You’re insane!" Steward said, shrinking back.

"That’s right! I just got out of the mental hospital last week. That’s another reason you shouldn’t mess with me. You know my brother, Alpha Sebastian, can crush you like a cockroach, and Alpha Gerald doesn’t take kindly to threats against his daughter." She was clearly aware of her pack’s influence and connections, and wouldn’t hesitate to use them if necessary.