Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 57

If there wasn't anything pressing, this phone was meant for texts only, never for calls.

Lena, gripped by a sudden panic, clutched her phone and dashed to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet, hoping the rush of water would drown out her conversation with the person on the other end. Silently, she held the phone, waiting with bated breath for the voice to speak.

A mechanical voice came through, "Why has the plan failed again?"

The tone was harsh, sinister, and reeked of frustration, causing Lena's body to tremble uncontrollably. "It's Oliver. He...he's different with Josefina. He's the one who foiled the kidnapping, saved her. Otherwise, how could a defenseless woman escape like that? She'd be scared to death."

"I don't want your excuses!"

Fear filled Lena's eyes as she coaxed in a hushed tone, "I'm sorry, please don't be mad."

"You'll be informed of the next plan. If you fail, I'll find someone else."

"Please! I'm begging you, don't do this."

The call ended abruptly. No one was on the other line. Lena sat on the floor, water from the sink spilling over and trickling down to her feet. The cold water snapped Lena back to reality. She quickly turned off the tap and gathered her thoughts.

The woman in the mirror had disheveled hair, a fierce gaze, and a pale complexion. Looking at her reflection, Lena hissed, "I will take back everything that's mine!"

...

Early next morning, Josefina received an important assignment. She was to inspect her property. Hattie and Garrett had gifted her a plethora of assets, from storefronts to companies.

Hattie wanted to join Josefina, to show the employees their new boss, but Josefina declined. "I should go alone. They don't know me, and it'll be easier to assess things." Josefina preferred working solo, to better spot any shortcomings.

Hattie relented; what her daughter wanted, her daughter got. "Josie, call me if there's any trouble, okay?"

Josefina nodded with a smile, "Sure."

Josefina never intended to keep these properties, but since she couldn't refuse them, she'd manage them for now, deciding what to do later.

When the car stopped in front of a mall, Josefina stepped out and made her way inside.

...

Xavier and Ruby arrived at the mall to pick out jewelry.

After a scolding upon his return, Xavier was even more determined to solidify his relationship with Ruby and secure his position within the Rowland family. "Ruby, take a look. Pick whatever you like. It's on me."

Even though Xavier said this, deep down he hoped Ruby wouldn't choose something too expensive. He had to be frugal with his funds, which weren't plentiful to begin with.

After browsing for a while, Ruby's finger landed on an emerald bracelet worth half a million, "Xavier, I like this one."This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

A tender look flickered in Xavier's eyes, pleased with her choice. His heart agreed, but his face told a different story, "Ruby, take another look. This one's too cheap."

"Xavier, I'm happy just to receive a gift from you. It's the thought that counts." Ruby lowered her head, shy and sweet.

Xavier grinned, "Alright then, if you like it, we'll take this one."

Ruby slowly looked up, only to see Josefina approaching them. A flicker of annoyance crossed her face. Josefina had already gone to her new family, so why was she here now, threatening to ruin Ruby's romance?