Miss Josefina: Nobody’s Princess Chapter 111-120

Chapter 114

“She flirts with every man— I bet she’ll catch something sooner or later!”

Lauren spat the words out with venom. Her disdain for Josefina was barely contained. “That little bitch. She makes our lives miserable. I won’t let her off the hook either!” Fuming, Lauren stormed off, with Ruby trailing behind her.

…

The moving truck rumbled into the villa’s driveway. The villa left the driver utterly gobsmacked. This was one of Westwood’s most opulent neighborhoods!

After unloading the truck’s contents, the driver jumped back in and drove away.

“Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?” Josefina offered politely, fully expecting a refusal.

But to her surprise, Oliver simply nodded, “Sure.”

He flashed a mischievous grin. “What? Not excited to have me over?”

Josefina was taken aback for a moment. Then she smiled, “Of course not.”

And with that, Josefina led Oliver into the living room. They chatted as they walked — well, mostly Oliver talked and Josefina responded.

The passing servants couldn’t help but marvel at the sight. No one had expected that Lena hadn’t managed to worm her way into Oliver’s heart, but the newly returned golden girl, Josefina, seemed to have him wrapped around her finger.

“Did you hear? Rumor has it Oliver was once betrothed to Ms. Josefina,” one servant whispered.

“Yeah, I heard. They had an engagement, but then Ms. Josefina was found by the Harrisons, and Mr. Oliver called off the engagement with the other family. Now I’ve heard that since Ms. Josefina is back with the Harrisons, Mr. Oliver’s been showering her with gifts.”

“My goodness, Ms. Josefina is so lucky! Mr. Oliver doesn’t care about status or wealth; he’s only got eyes for her!”

A group of maids huddled together, sharing the juicy gossip.

Just then, Lena walked by, catching snippets of their conversation. Her expression darkened.

“What are you all gossiping about?”

The maids quickly bowed their heads. “Good day, Miss Lena.”

“Well, get back to work.”

“Yes, Miss.”

They scurried away, eager to avoid Lena’s wrath.

Lena watched Oliver and Josefina leave together. Her heart felt as if it had been slashed by a blade. Disdain was clear in her eyes, and her eyes were completely devoid of any affection.

Regina approached cautiously, standing respectfully next to Lena. “Miss Lena, what’s all this stuff being moved in? Plain old cardboard boxes, could it be trash Josefina’s picked up?”

Lena’s lips curled into a scornful smile. “These are her so-called graduation gifts from friends.”

“Really? What kind of gift comes in such plain packaging? It must be a show. Josefina just trys to make herself seem important. How could anyone from her humble background have wealthy friends? She can’t compare to you, Miss Lena.”

Lena’s mood lifted at the thought. She chuckled, “Regina, you do have a point. What kind of gifts could her friends possibly give her? Probably just for show.”

Regina caught on instantly. “Miss Lena, let me have a look. I’ll expose her lies and vanity!”

After saying that, Regina moved forward, grabbing a box. “I’ve got to see the so-called treasures inside. I’ll reveal her deceit!”

She opened one of the nondescript boxes, ready to unleash her ridicule, but the moment Regina peered inside, she was rendered speechless.

Lena, noticing Regina’s reaction, furrowed her brows and strode over. Standing before the box, Lena too was shocked into silence by what lay inside.

Chapter 115

Inside the inconspicuous cardboard box lay several sets of jewelry that would put Tiffany’s window displays to shame. Even if the pieces were costume jewelry, the gems were ostentatiously large. The diamonds, in particular, twinkled with an extra brilliance in the moonlight.

Lena was skeptical, so she opened another box nearby, which revealed an assortment of esteemed herbal remedies. She took a deep breath, and her disbelief persisted as she went to open yet another box.

“What are you doing?”

Josefina’s voice rang out from behind, causing Lena to jump. Turning around, Lena forced a grin. “I was just checking to ensure nothing was damaged during transport.”

Regina stood on the sidelines, dumbstruck by the contents of the boxes, at a loss for words about how to broach the subject.

Josefina sauntered over, now dressed casually in a tee and capris. Her legs were so long, so smooth, so slender that one couldn’t help but be captivated.

Lena cursed inwardly, “Slut!”

With a calm demeanor and an unflappable presence, Josefina stated, “I appreciate the concern, but I can manage my own belongings.”

Lena’s expression faltered, failing to mask her surprise. “Josie, what do you mean by that?” Lena asked, genuinely puzzled.

Was she implying Lena shouldn’t meddle with the boxes, or was it about not getting involved with Oliver?

“The literal meaning.”

Josefina’s commanding aura sent a shiver down Lena’s spine. She approached the bodyguard and instructed, “Handle with care. Don’t damage the contents.”

“Yes, Ms. Josefina.”

Turning to Ryan, who had accompanied her, Josefina said, “Ryan, could you prepare the inventory for me?”

“Rest assured, Ms. Josefina. I’ll compile a list of these gifts and send it to your phone in a document as soon as I get back.”

Josefina raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. “Ryan, you’re adept with digital documents as well?”

“Ms. Josefina, even us in service must keep up with the times to avoid being replaced.”

Nodding in understanding, Josefina encouraged him, “Keep it up, Ryan.”

“Thank you, Ms. Josefina. I will do my best.”

With a smile, Josefina left things in Ryan’s capable hands.

Ryan took charge at the scene, managing everything with precision and order. Passing by Regina, Ryan remarked, “Regina, with the kitchen in full swing, what are you doing wandering around here? Believe me, I’ll have the boss fire you if you don’t get back.”

Regina’s face flushed with embarrassment as he scurried away.

Noticing Lena’s displeasure, Ryan inquired with curiosity, “Ms. Lena, do you have gifts that need moving too?”

Lena remained silent, prompting a surprised reaction from Ryan. “What’s the matter, too much to handle? Need more hands?”

Again, he offered, “Tell me, how many gifts are we talking about? I’ll get a team right now and make sure all your gifts are moved into your room!”

Gritting her teeth, Lena managed a strained smile. “Ryan, you seem to have a lot of time. Why don’t you find somewhere cooler to hang out?”

After saying that, Lena stormed off.

Ryan, scratching his head in puzzlement, couldn’t fathom her reaction. “What did she mean? Is she concerned about me or mocking me? Did I say something wrong?”

…

Entering the house, Lena found Oliver mingling effortlessly with her family, especially Grandpa Robert, who looked at Oliver with evident admiration.

Lena took a seat, eager to catch up on the conversation.

She overheard Brandon saying, “Josie, for tomorrow’s family gathering, I’ll have our personal shopper pick out some clothes and bags tailored to your size.”

Chapter 116

“Grandpa Brandon, you’re too kind, really. I’ve got a closet bursting at the seams with outfits – I can’t possibly wear them all in one summer, even if I switched up daily.”

Brandon pondered for a moment before saying, “I heard you’re fond of Gideon’s artwork. How about I get you a few more pieces?”

Josefina sighed. “Really, Grandpa Brandon, it’s not necessary.”

If Brandon placed the order, Josefina had to pick up her brush. She thought, “Give me a break, please.”

Calix, fearing Brandon would hijack his role as the art benefactor, quickly said, “Grandpa Brandon, my sister loves the paintings I pick out for her. If you take this joy from me, what am I left with? It’s hard enough as it is.”

Brandon chuckled, “Calix, my boy, I won’t steal your job, okay?”

“Thanks, Grandpa Brandon. You’re the best.”

The family’s laughter and warmth cast a shadow over Lena’s heart.

Just then, Brandon’s gaze landed on Lena. “Lena, you’re not getting any younger. Didn’t find love on campus? Want me to set you up with someone?”

Could it be that Brandon intended to play matchmaker with Oliver for her?

Flushing, Lena murmured, “Grandpa Brandon, I… I’ve already got someone in mind…”

Brandon seemed pleasantly surprised, then beamed, “Good for you, Lena! Go after your heart’s desire. Just like Oliver there, chasing after Josie with all he’s got!”

Oliver affirmed, “I’ll do my best.”

Lena was speechless. Damn it, was this old man playing games with her?

Lena’s complexion soured. She was irate, ready to burst with expletives.

But Brandon appeared oblivious to her mood and went on, “Lena, you’re looking a bit peaked. Is it that the guy’s giving you the cold shoulder? Oh, my dear, there are plenty of fish in the sea, so why pine over one?”

Lena couldn’t bear it any longer! She couldn’t bear another word from Brandon.

She had this nagging feeling that Brandon’s comments were a deliberate performance for her benefit. He had publicly prodded her to reveal her feelings, then mentioned Oliver’s pursuit of Josefina. In the end, the old man was just too sly for his own good!

Lena’s head throbbed. She wanted out of there, not keen on uttering another word.

Sensing enough was enough, Brandon announced, “It’s getting late. Let’s head back.”

Oliver rose alongside Brandon. Before leaving, Oliver asked Josefina, “What would you like for lunch tomorrow?”

Josefina, feeling everyone’s eyes on her, replied shyly, “You better head home.”

Oliver nodded with a smile and departed with Brandon.

…

In the car, Brandon was brimming with pride. “See, Oliver? I cleared the way for you. Now you can court Josie without any worries.”

“Thanks, Grandpa,” Oliver said, grateful.

Brandon, content in both body and soul, advised, “Now, you’ve got to step up your game. Don’t let a catch like Josie slip through your fingers.”

“I won’t,” Oliver affirmed, nodding.

His phone lit up with a message from George. Oliver opened it to find a single sentence that sent a shiver down his spine. [Oliver, about Ms. Josefina…]

---

Chapter 117

Oliver furrowed his brow as he stared at his phone. [Spill it.]

George replied to Oliver, [We’ve confirmed that Ms. Josefina was indeed at the lab that day with Percy and Luke.]

Oliver’s frown deepened, and then he typed back, [Josie’s got a knack for healing, and Percy’s a doc. It’s only natural she was there for some medical emergency.]

[Oliver,] George ventured, [is it possible that Ms. Josefina is the new heir to the House of Adams?]

Oliver said, [Can you shut up?]

George’s hands trembled as they clutched the phone. Had he just stated the obvious, the fact that Oliver had known all along?

George quickly deleted the message and added, [You’re absolutely right, Oliver. Ms. Josefina is as delicate as a lamb, too frail to fend for herself. She must have been there to lend a hand.]

Oliver didn’t respond, and George felt like he’d dodged a bullet.

Slipping the phone into his pocket, Oliver overheard Brandon say, “Hey, Oliver, I heard at dinner that Judson gave Josie a present. This Judson guy, could he be Judson Adams?”

Oliver Said, “Grandpa, you’re overthinking it.”

Brandon just grunted and dropped the subject.

Oliver made every effort to keep Josefina’s cover intact. Seeing that she didn’t want to blow her cover, he played along. Whatever Josefina didn’t want to do, he wouldn’t push.

…

After a tiring day, Josefina headed upstairs early for a shower.

When she emerged, wrapped in her bathrobe with her hair tucked in a towel turban, two visitors were scanning the room.

Percy and Luke chuckled upon seeing her.

“Boss, your digs are pretty nice,” Luke observed. “The Harrisons sure treat you better than the Antonios.”

Percy handed her a robe. “Put this on. Don’t catch a cold.”

Draped in the robe, Josefina looked fresh as a daisy, and her face was a picture of innocence.

“Josie,” Percy said, “Oliver’s secretary dug into who was at the lab. He might suspect your identity. Stay safe.”

“Boss, Oliver might be tough, but we won’t let you down! If he dares to mess with you, we’ll all band together and take him down!” Luke declared.

Percy sighed inwardly. Luke’s thought process was truly unique. Couldn’t he see that Oliver was smitten with Josie and wouldn’t harm her?

Percy had done his homework on Oliver and knew that he had never been in a relationship. Rumors even suggested Oliver preferred men. But his two close friends were not that kind, with their own love lives. Clearly, Oliver was courting Josie.

A flicker of sadness crossed Percy’s eyes, but when he looked at Josefina again, his expression was back to normal.

Percy nudged Luke aside. “Luke, go stand over there. I need to talk to Josie.”

Luke sighed. Fine, he’d be like the air.

“Are you heading back to the lab anytime soon?” Percy asked Josefina.

“I’ve got company stuff to deal with these next few days. I’ll return later. Keep an eye on the lab’s progress for me and call if anything comes up.”

“Sure thing.”

 

Lena passed by Josefina’s room and overheard the voices of men inside.

Lena thought to herself, puzzled. The security at the house was top-notch. How could there be men in Josefina’s room at this hour? A secret rendezvous?

The voice didn’t sound like something Oliver would say.

Lena’s eyes darted around, and then she made a beeline for Garrett and Hattie’s room.

Chapter 118

“Lena, what’s up? You’re up late,” Hattie said. Her makeup was removed. She was dressed in a silk nightgown.

“Mom, Dad, I heard a man’s voice in Josie’s room, and she…”

Lena thought Hattie and Garrett would be furious about Josefina’s seemingly unguarded private life, but instead, she heard something unexpected.

Garrett exclaimed, “It couldn’t be Oliver sneaking over the fence again, could it?”

Hattie replied, “We better check it out pronto. Our Josie’s a scaredy-cat and can’t fend for herself. Even if Oliver came over, it’d be him pressuring Josie, for sure.”

The couple headed toward Josefina’s room, leaving Lena gaping at the doorway.

What in the world? Their trust in Josie was sky-high!

Biting her lip, Lena followed them to Josefina’s door.

Hattie rang the doorbell to Josefina’s room, and after a short wait, the door swung open. Josefina looked puzzled to see the trio at her doorstep. “Something up?” she asked.

Hattie smiled. “All good here. I had the kitchen whip up some chicken soup for you, totally slipped my mind to bring it to you.”

Josefina took the bowl. “Thanks.”

“Josie, it’s late. Head to bed soon, okay? If running that company is too much, we can let it go. You gotta rest up.”

“I’m managing fine, not too tired.”

As Josefina spoke, Lena barged in. “Josie, you’ve got this killer chair in your room. Mom told me you picked it out yourself. Mind if I check out the brand? I wanna snag one for myself.”

As Lena walked in, eyeing Josefina’s chair, she glanced around sneakily.

Josefina knew exactly what Lena was up to. She stood still, observing Lena’s antics.

The room was spacious, but no matter where Lena looked, there was no one else there.

“Forget about it. That chair was a one-off made by a friend. You won’t find it in stores. He only had enough material for this single piece, no more.”

Josefina left Lena speechless. She thought Josefina was being stingy. How much material could a chair possibly use? Could it really be worth tens of thousands?

Lena grumbled internally but kept a cheerful facade. “Alright then.”

Unable to spot any man and not daring to search too thoroughly, Lena had no choice but to head back to the doorway.

Garrett told Josefina to get some sleep, then gently closed her door.

After standing by the door for a minute without hearing a peep, Garrett dialed Oliver on his cell with no sound escaping from Josefina’s room.

Oliver answered Garrett’s call, startled.

“Hey, Oliver, you guys make it home okay?”

“Yeah, we’re home.”

“Good to hear. Won’t keep you any longer. Get some rest.”

Garrett hung up and turned to Lena. “Lena, could you have misheard? There’s no one in your sister’s room.”

Hattie touched Lena’s forehead with the back of her hand. “No fever. Why the nonsense, sweetie?”

Garrett, concerned, suggested, “Lena, give it another check tomorrow, and if it’s still off, maybe check in with an ENT doctor. You might be experiencing auditory hallucinations?”

Lena was fuming inside, even though she knew Garrett and Hattie meant well. It felt like they were messing with her!

Perspectives can warp words when heard with a biased ear, but Lena hadn’t realized it yet.

Meanwhile, hidden in Josefina’s room, Percy and Luke had not left.

Chapter 119

Percy and Luke were crouched outside the window, with their forearms taking the brunt of their weight. Once the coast was clear, they clambered back inside.

Luke let out a frustrated grunt, “Damn it, is Lena actually worried about Josefina, or is she just trying to mess with her?”

Percy urged him, “Let’s get a move on. We don’t want to tarnish Josie’s good name.”

With a wry smile, Luke said, “Boss, congrats on topping the charts. I’ve got a little something for you. It’s on the dresser over there, the pink box — that’s from me.”

Percy chimed in, “Josie, I didn’t come empty-handed either. That blue box, that’s my gift to you.”

“You’re both too kind,” she replied.

Percy said, “You aced it, Josie. A celebration is definitely in order.”

Luke chimed in with a grin, “Percy’s right, boss. You did us proud with those grades!”

Josie couldn’t help but laugh at their antics and hurried them out the window they had entered.

…

Lena was fuming in her room. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. A gust of warm air reminded her that she had forgotten to close the window.

As she walked over to shut it, cross-eyed Luke passed by, startling Lena into a fit of shouts.

Just then, Regina came in with a tray of fruit and heard Lena’s screams. “Miss Lena, is everything alright?” she asked with concern.

Lena, clutching her face and hearing the familiar voice, slowly recovered. She grabbed Regina’s arm, pointing at the window with terror-stricken eyes. “Regina, there’s a ghost, a ghost! I tell you!”

Regina looked out the window with skepticism. “Miss Lena, let me check.”

She saw nothing but the warm breeze on her face. Closing the window gently, she reassured, “Miss Lena, you must be overtired, seeing things. There’s nothing out there, and ghosts, well, they don’t exist in this world.”

Lena stood by the window. Everything outside was as it should be, making her wonder if she had indeed seen wrongly.

Could she have been mistaken?

…

Josie had just woken up when Kale called her. “Ms. Josefina, there’s trouble. You need to see this. Billy’s ripped off our designs and he’s already putting them up for presale!”

Josie sat up, rubbing her temples. “I’m on my way to the office.”

No sooner had she hung up than Alex’s call came through. The panic in his voice was palpable, “Ms. Josefina, my designs have been stolen. It wasn’t me. I would never betray the company! Please believe me.”

“Alex, stay calm. I’m heading to the office now, and we’ll sort this out there.”

“Okay, Ms. Josefina. I’m already at the office.”

After the call, Josie slipped into a pale blue blouse, paired with black slacks and heels. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders as her radiant smile charmed all around her.

Josefina strode down the stairs, and Hattie called out to her to eat. Josie, clutching her bag, walked briskly forward. “I can’t. I’ve got to handle this first.”

The others exchanged worried glances, all concerned except for Lena.

Garrett suggested, “I’ll go check on her. Something’s up with Josie for sure.”

“I’m coming too,” Hattie said.

Grandpa Robert interjected, “Sit down, all of you. Josie’s got a good head on her shoulders. Let her handle this — it’s a learning opportunity. If she needs us, we’ll step in then. Josie’s heading to university soon, and the company needs her leadership. Let’s just wait and see.”

The notion that great responsibility prepares one for hardships seemed to hang in the air.

---

Chapter 120

Garrett understood exactly what Grandpa Robert meant. After all, he’d been through the same journey and knew the ropes. With that realization, he could only sit down, but his heart was heavy with concern.

Once he stepped out, he’d definitely have to talk to Josie. Josie was his girl, his little princess. Raising a boy was one thing, but raising a girl – that was a whole different ball game. His own father had never raised a daughter, so how could he know they required extra tender loving care?

“Pop, Josie’s a girl, and girls need to be nurtured, shown lots of love. She already lacked family affection in her early years. If I don’t show her love now, what’s going to happen to her?”

Hattie chimed in, “What Garrett’s saying is exactly what I’ve been thinking. Josie’s tough because she’s had to fend for herself, with nobody to take her side or fight her battles. She wouldn’t tell us if something was wrong.”

Robert was speechless. He wasn’t a bad grandpa, not at all! It was just that, for a moment, he had forgotten that raising sons and daughters required different approaches.

Feeling both embarrassed and a bit irked, Robert retorted, “Garrett, do you think I’m a bad grandpa, that I don’t care for my granddaughter?”

Garrett’s face broke into an appeasing smile. “Dad, how could I ever think that of you? I just want to remind us to cherish Josie properly, to pamper her as she deserves.”

“I know that.”

Grandpa Robert whipped out his cell phone and dialed Josefina, who was driving and had her earpiece in, ready to take the call.

“Josie, what’s the trouble at the company? Tell Grandpa, and I’ll help you sort it out.”

“Thanks, Grandpa. It’s a small issue. I can handle it.”

“Let me deal with it. I’ll send Bennett over.”

“Grandpa, there’s really no need for family intervention. It’s just a minor thing, and I’ll definitely tell you if I need help. Grandpa, if I can’t handle this little hiccup, how can I claim to be a member of the Harrisons?”

Robert had a soft spot for ambitious souls, and he admired a granddaughter like Josefina.

Looking at Garrett, Grandpa Robert thought, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and sometimes it even surpasses it.”

“Josie, if you need anything, remember to tell the family. You’re the precious daughter of the Harrisons; you have our full support.”

“Thank you, Grandpa. I better keep my eyes on the road. Talk to you later.”

They hung it up. Then a grin crept across Grandpa Robert’s face. “Did you hear that? That’s my granddaughter.”

Hearing Josie’s response, Garrett remained silent but decided to step out and instruct his secretary to look into the situation.

…

When Josefina arrived at the office, the receptionist couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration, “Ms. Josefina is simply stunning!”

Josefina walked into her office to find Alex and Kale already waiting for her. Alex, fresh out of college and dealing with his first crisis, was a wreck. He sat slumped in his chair, pale as a ghost,

looking like the sky had fallen.

Josefina placed a coffee on the desk. “Drink up, and get a little jolt of energy.”

Alex glanced down at Josefina’s slender fingers, then at the coffee, and felt a lump in his throat. His eyes were brimming with tears.

“Ms. Josefina, I’m so sorry! I don’t know what happened. The design plans… they were stolen by someone at Antonio Corporation. I don’t even have connections there!”

Kale interjected, “I did some digging. Ava went to Antonio Corporation. The designs became their property right after she left.”

Josefina let out a cold, mocking laugh, “Ava’s got some nerve!”

Alex was a mix of anger and panic. “Ms. Josefina, what do we do now?”

Josefina’s lips curved into a confident smile, and her eyes sparkled with assurance. “I have a plan.”