Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 77

Josefina stepped into Good Fortune Fabrics just as the midday sun reached its zenith, casting a warm glow through the factory windows. The lunch hour had the workers scattered to nearby diners and food trucks, leaving only the factory manager Camden by the entrance to welcome her.

Today, Josefina was the epitome of urban sophistication in a sleek, charcoal blazer and matching slacks. Her feet were shod in practical, yet stylish, leather flats.

The moment she alighted from her car, Camden caught sight of her face, and his expression flickered with surprise. "She certainly doesn't fit the mold of a self-made boss," he thought, his initial respect wilting like a neglected flower.

Instead, Camden mustered a grin and extended his hand toward Jaxon. "Mr. Jaxon, long time no see."

Jaxon returned the handshake with gusto, puffing up with pride as if he were the true captain of the industry.

Josefina spared Camden a glance before striding onward into the heart of the factory.

Jaxon and Camden locked eyes. "Jaxon, everything's been taken care of," said the latter.

"Not bad," Jaxon replied, "I can see you going places."

The factory manager's heart soared with visions of satellite factories dotting the horizon, a testament to his impending success.

Together, they followed Josefina as she perused the fabrics with an air of authority, scrutinizing the machinery as if she were born to it. When they reached the dye vats, Josefina's brow furrowed. "Camden, this is your dye station? The smell's a bit strong, isn't it?"

Camden approached with a composed retort. "Miss Josefina, you clearly aren't familiar with this process. It's bound to seem pungent. After all, when do pigments ever smell pleasant?"

Jaxon nodded in agreement, eager to support Camden's argument. "Camden's spot on. It's like comparing apples and oranges. You don't understand, so don't jump to conclusions."

Josefina lifted her gaze to Jaxon, her eyes glinting with mirth. "Jaxon, since when were you the expert on different trades? If I'm out of my depth, what does that make you? How much do you actually know about pigments?"

Jaxon found himself at a loss for words while Camden was given a taste of Josefina's razor-sharp wit. Trying to recover, he assured her, "Miss Josefina, these are standard dyes, so there's nothing to worry about. Our textile mill has been in partnership with your company for years. I wouldn't jeopardize that trust."

Josefina remained silent, continuing her inspection. Camden tried intervening but couldn't keep pace with Josefina's determined stride. She reached for the cans of dye on the floor, her frown deepening.

"Miss Josefina, are you here to tour or to snoop around for our factory recipes?" Camden challenged.

Jaxon's eyes flickered with unease. "Miss Josefina, you're here for an overview, not an inquisition. What business do you have poking around back here?"

Josefina pointed at the containers. "These brands are unfamiliar to me."

"There's a lot you haven't heard of. Familiarity doesn't always equate to quality, right?" Camden retorted.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"Exactly," Jaxon chimed in. "Miss Josefina, your youth and inexperience shouldn't lead you to believe only what you know is correct. That's not the sign of a good leader. Focus on what matters."

Josefina watched calmly as Camden and Jaxon took turns admonishing her, choosing to remain silent. "Are you done?" she finally asked, her tone cool and even.

At her words, Camden and Jaxon suddenly felt as if they were nothing more than court jesters. Camden, eager to smooth things over, said, "Miss Josefina, let me show you our dyeing process. It might give you a better idea of our work here."

Jaxon, knowing better than to argue, held his peace.

Josefina nodded, and Camden led the way, with Josefina following in the middle and Jaxon trailing behind.

It was not until they reached the dye vats that the trio finally came to a halt. Camden gestured with a smile. "These vats are for our latest color range. Miss Josefina, take a closer look. The hues we're producing are quite stunning."