Chapter 31
Brandon and Oliver prepared to head back, while Garrett and Hattie took Josefina and Lena to see the pair off.
Standing at the door with a face full of kindness, Brandon said, “Hey Josie, drop by our place tomorrow if you’re free. The doc’s suggesting I need some more tests to make sure everything’s A- OK with me. You got time tomorrow, Josie?”
When you’ve taken someone’s gifts, it’s hard to say no. Josefina had accepted so many presents from the Baldwin family, so she naturally wouldn’t turn them down.
With her sweetest voice, Josefina said, “I’m free tomorrow, Brandon. I’ll come over in the morning.”
Brandon’s face lit up with joy. “Great, I’ll have someone pick you up then.”
Oliver shot Josefina a look before leaving with Brandon.
…
In the car.
The old man who was all smiles just a moment ago now had a dark cloud over his face as he said to Oliver, “Oliver, lose the ice-cold attitude and flash a smile now and then. It’s clear as day that Josefina’s father isn’t keen on handing his daughter over to someone like you. He thinks you’ll treat her poorly.”
Oliver retorted, “Me, treat her poorly?”
Brandon shot back, “You have no clue what people are saying about you, do you?”
He turned to the driver. “Johns, come on. Give it to me straight, no holding back.”
Johns, trembling, spilled it, “People are saying… they’re saying Mr. Oliver is ruthless and merciless. He takes people down without batting an eye, like it’s as easy as killing a chicken.”
Oliver was speechless. Was his image really that bad?
Brandon reminded him, “You haven’t even dated anyone before. I know you’re not into Lena, so I didn’t push you two together. Josie, though, she’s a good kid. Don’t you dare treat her with the same cold shoulder you gave Lena. She’s had it tough. Josie is sharp as a tack and sweet as pie, couldn’t hurt a fly. You gotta protect her.”
Brandon had done his homework on Josefina and knew she hadn’t had an easy time with the Antonios. She was just an innocent kid caught in the crossfire.
Oliver just nodded slightly. Not another word was spoken. The vibe in the car was colder than a winter tundra.
…
Billy staggered home, pale as a ghost, looking like a walking dead man. Ruby and Lauren sat beside him, worry written all over their faces. “Billy, what’s going on?”
“Dad, are you alright?”
Billy looked up blankly and slapped Lauren across the face. The slap rang clear, leaving a trickle of blood at Lauren’s mouth, and Ruby was in a panic.
“Billy, why did you hit me!” Lauren roared in anger.
Billy was just as furious, yelling back at her, “You shouldn’t have treated Josefina like that! I’m starting to think Brandon’s got his sights set on Josefina, not Ruby.”
Lauren snapped back. “Billy, what are you getting at? How did I treat her? You didn’t say anything about it either. You were okay with it, weren’t you?”
Billy’s face turned uglier, even looking a bit guilty. He knew all about Lauren’s mistreatment of Josefina but hadn’t said a word in her defense, essentially giving Lauren the green light.
Ruby, sensing something was off with her arguing parents, piped up, “Dad, did sis say something? Or… did she bag herself a sugar daddy?”
Lauren let out a sneer, “I knew she couldn’t stay put! She’s just tramp, not some tycoon’s daughter. She’s only good for snagging some old rich dude.”
Billy struggled to get the words out, “Oliver called off the wedding, told me to stay away or he’ll beat me up each time he sees me. Our company’s done for!”
Lauren and Ruby were gobsmacked.
Ruby couldn’t believe it. “Dad, Oliver hasn’t even met me. How can he dislike me?”
Chapter 32
Billy slumped against the couch, totally wiped out. “You think Oliver never snooped around our family before? Never inquired about you? Never laid eyes on your photo?”
Ruby was fuming. She wasn’t that ugly, okay? Oliver would fall for her once he saw her!
Lauren scoffed with disdain, “How’s our little Ruby any worse, huh? Think about that fake princess Josefina. Isn’t Ruby way cooler and more lovable? Ruby’s also ace at school, and the final exam results is coming out soon. She’s bound to nail a spot in a top uni! Oliver hasn’t seen our Ruby, so of course, he’s clueless about how awesome she is.”
Billy said, “Cut the chatter. What’s the point now? Better to brainstorm on how to reel in some investors!”
Ruby felt a pang in her heart, thinking that kicking Josefina out would’ve been the end of it, but now the wedding was off too.
Seeing Billy’s face clouded with worry, Ruby bit her lip. “Dad, mom, I should just take off. If I’m not here, you can bring sister back, and that might save the company from this mess. Maybe Oliver’s got a thing for her, not me.” Ruby looked down. Her voice was choked with emotion.
Lauren grabbed Ruby’s arm, pulling her into a hug. Her affection was overflowing. “Ruby, you’re my daughter. How could I ever send you away!”
Billy added, “Well, I’ll figure something out. I’ll hit up some of my old buddies tomorrow, try to drum up some investment!”
Lauren said, “It’s all that bad luck Josefina’s fault! If it weren’t for her, would we be in this mess?!”
“If only we hadn’t let Josefina go.” Billy sighed with regret.
Ruby was taken aback. What was dad getting at?
Lauren demanded angrily, “Billy, what do you mean by that?”
Billy revealed a sly grin, “If Josefina hadn’t left, I could’ve just sold her off for some quick cash, right? Or find her some marriage deal and cash in on a hefty bride price. Wouldn’t that tide the company over?”
Lauren and Ruby felt a bit better after hearing this. Lauren said viciously, “Tomorrow I’ll go find Josefina. We’ve raised her for so many years. It’s about time their family coughed up some support money!”
…
The Harrison household.
Lena sat on the couch, restless. “Mom, dad, I’ve got a headache, gonna skip dinner and hit the sack.”
Hattie pressed her hand to Lena’s forehead. “Lena, you feeling alright? Maybe you should get checked out at the hospital. You’re a doc, but you can’t treat yourself. Better to get it looked at.”
“Mom, it’s just jet lag. I’ll be fine after some sleep.”
Hattie figured that made sense. Jet lag can really knock you out. “You go rest up in your room, and if you’re still feeling off, head to the hospital ASAP.”
Lena nodded, took the elevator to her room to sleep. Once in her room, she locked the door, whipped out a second phone, and shot off a text. Soon enough, a reply came back, [I’m on it.]
Reading the message, Lena heaved a sigh of relief.
…
Fresh out of the shower and in her PJs, Josefina sat on the couch and got a message from Luke. [Boss, the hospital’s a hive of activity. Tough to dig up anything on the old lady’s poisoning. Lena was the docter in charge of her, but she’s out learning and another doc’s handling it now. I’ve checked out this doc’s accounts, zilch.]
Josefina frowned, not buying that a deed done left no trace. She sent back a message, [Did you dig into Lena?]
Chapter 33
Luke replied: [Yeah. Lena’s account is all clear, nothing fishy.]
Josefina pondered for a moment before adding, [Keep digging. Hit me up if anything pops up.]
[Don’t you worry, boss. I’ll be on it like white on rice. You’ll be the first to know.]
Josefina fired up her computer, got some work done, and played the stock market a bit. Leaning back on the couch, she drifted off to dreamland. Her mind bounced between the good days with the Harrison family and the current state of the Antonio clan.
…
The next morning, Josefina was still half-asleep when a barrage of ringtone bursts woke her up. She didn’t silence her phone even in her sleep, afraid to miss anything big.
Picking up the call, she was greeted by Lauren’s ranting, “Josefina, you little deadbeat, I called you 25 times. Why did you only pick up now?”
Rubbing her eyes and trying to wake up, Josefina retorted, “What makes you think I gotta answer your calls?”
Lauren shot back, “For heaven’s sake, I raised you! Is this how you repay me?”
Just as Lauren was about to continue her tirade, Josefina hung up on her. Fuming, Lauren was about to call back when she realized she’d been blocked. Pissed off, she vented to Billy, “Billy, just look at her attitude! Ignoring my calls on purpose. And when she finally picks up, this is how she treats me? She’s doing this to get at me!”
Billy, not wanting to engage in the drama, grabbed his phone to call Josefina. “Josie, it’s your dad. I…”
“My dad’s last name is Harrison. Did you change yours?” Josefina snapped back, cold as ice.
Billy couldn’t confront her and said helplessly, “Josie, I know you’re mad at us. I…”
“If you know I’m mad, then you shouldn’t have called. I have nothing to say to you and your family.” Josefina hung up decisively and blocked the number.
Billy was steaming, tried to call back, and realized he’d been blocked too. Ruby handed over her phone. “Dad, try calling her from my phone.”
Ruby’s number went through, and Josefina, now sitting up in bed, asked impatiently, “What is it already?”
Billy snatched the phone, gesturing for Lauren to zip it, before speaking to Josefina, “Josie, here’s the deal. We want to have a meal with you. We’ve missed you since you left and would love to catch up over dinner.”
Billy winked at Lauren, who quickly caught on and chimed in with a smile, “Josie, we might not live together anymore, but we were family, right? Let’s have dinner.”
Ruby also pitched in, “Josefina, mom and dad are really reaching out here. Just say yes.”
Josefina had to laugh. Ruby sure knew how to play her cards right. It seemed like they wouldn’t leave her alone until she agreed to this dinner. So, she might as well go and see what they were up to.
Josefina said, “Alright.”
Billy, thrilled, said, “Josie, I’ve sent the address to your phone. See you at ten.”
Josefina hung up. She got out of bed, freshened up, and got ready to head out.
…
As soon as Josefina stepped out, Hattie grabbed her, making a shushing gesture. Taken aback, she was about to ask what was going on when Hattie dragged her into her room. Garrett was there too. Both looked mysteriously excited and a bit cute, which made Josefina smile.
Garrett handed over his phone to Josefina. “Josie, I suspect that the one who hurt your grandma is the caregiver. I had someone look into it, and we found out her husband’s bank account received a million bucks from an overseas account. Her hubby is a janitor. That million is way too suspicious.”
Chapter 34
Hattie chimed in again, “The surveillance footage shows that she drugged Grandma when she was looking after her.”
The evidence was so obvious, yet Josefina couldn’t help but feel like it was a dead giveaway.
Was it really so?
Garrett said, “We’ve got both the witness and the evidence. I’m all set to call the cops and let them dig into this.”
Josefina nodded and asked with a smile, “You’ve got it all figured out. Why bother asking for my two cents?”
“Because you’re my girl. You stumbled upon this whole mess, so naturally, we’ve got to hash it out with you,” Garrett replied, cutting straight to the chase.
Hattie nodded in agreement, all smiley. “Sweetheart, your dad just spelled out exactly what’s on my mind.”
Josefina was touched. Thinking about Billy’s sour face in the morning, she was all the more drawn to her biological parents.
Based on the evidence at hand, they could only nab the caregiver for a good grilling to see if they could sniff out the mastermind.
With Josefina’s response, Garrett called his assistant, instructing him to wrap things up.
Josefina took out the medicinal pouches she had prepared and handed them over to the two. “This is a health pouch I made, boosts your strength,” and it also purged toxins from their bodies.
However, it needed to be coupled with medication. Josefina was still in the experimental phase, so she wasn’t ready to give them that just yet.
Garrett and Hattie, receiving the gift from their daughter, were teary-eyed and over the moon. Hattie whipped out her phone and transferred five million bucks to Josefina. “Thanks for the gift, Josie.”
Garrett didn’t hesitate to transfer another five million. “Sweetie, thanks for your gift. I’m overjoyed.”
Happy enough to send a fortune?
Josefina, feeling a tad embarrassed, said, “You’re too kind. You’ve already given me a lot of money. No need to send more.”
Hattie insisted, “Josie, we make money for you to spend. If not you, then who?”
Garrett added, “Plus, you’ve got three brothers raking in dough too. Spend without worries. We’re rolling in it. Go ahead and buy everything you ever wanted, once or ten times over. If you run out of cash, just tell us.”
Hattie echoed, “Your mom and dad are your strongest backers. Just let us know if you need more.”
Faced with such generous parents, Josefina’s heart swelled even more. These were her mom and dad, always on her side, shielding and supporting her all the way.
…
The trio happily made their way out, bumping into Lena who had just gotten up and was coming downstairs.
Watching the joyous family, with each face beaming with contentment, Lena felt a pang of envy. This was her mom and dad, but now Josefina had taken them away!
With a smile, Lena greeted, “Mom, Dad, Josefina, good morning.”
Hattie nodded with a smile. “Morning, Lena.”
Garrett grinned and also wished her a good morning.
Lena appeared kind and amiable, so naturally, Josefina nodded politely and returned the greeting.
The four of them stepped into the family elevator, and Lena, curious, asked, “Mom, Dad, how come Josefina is coming out of your room?”
Josefina took the initiative, “I made some handmade gifts for them.”
Lena, unable to pry any juicy details, dropped it.
…
After breakfast, Hattie and Garrett headed upstairs to change.
Josefina, done with her meal, grabbed her bag and stepped outside, asking the driver to drop her off. She at least needed to get to an area where she could snag a shared bike, scan one, and go meet the Billy clan.
She didn’t want those bloodsuckers to catch wind of her true status. She was eager to see what these folks were up to!
Chapter 35
Josefina hopped out of the car by the roadside and said to Ryan, “Ryan, I’m off to catch up with an old pal. You head on home, okay?”
“Miss, let me at least drive you there,” he insisted.
Josefina chuckled and shook her head. “It’s alright. I’ll manage just fine on my own.”
She snagged a bike from a nearby share station and pedaled off towards the address Billy had sent her.
…
Billy showed up at the café Josefina had mentioned, bringing Lauren and Ruby along for the ride. As they pulled up to the café, they spotted Josefina rolling up on her shared bike.
Ruby perked up, a smug look on her face. “Well, well, seems like Josefina’s not having the time of her life, is she?” She didn’t arrive in a car, nor did she take a cab, just pedaling away on a bike.
Ruby tilted her chin up. Her expression was a mix of disdain and snobbery.
Lauren said with a sneer, “Billy, look at her. So broke she can’t even afford a car.”
Billy shot Lauren a glare, “Would you just zip it?”
Lauren clamped her mouth shut. After all, they still had business to deal with.
Billy approached Josefina with a smile that seemed kind and gentle. “Josie, why’d you bike here? Why not catch a cab? If you’re strapped for cash, just let me know, and I’ll foot the bill.”
Josefina’s gaze landed on Billy, just watching him with a smile.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
A sly smile played on Josefina’s lips. “I’m just wondering, what’s the deal with you calling me here today? If you know I’m broke, why bother? It doesn’t seem like something you’d do. After all, you’ve always been all about clout and fortune.”
Billy’s brows knotted, but his smile quickly returned. “Josie, let’s head inside. There’s something I want to chat with you about.”
Josefina headed straight for the café, not even giving Lauren and Ruby a glance.
Lauren stamped her foot in frustration. “That cheeky brat, acting like she doesn’t see me!”
Ruby, soothing her, took her arm. “Mom, don’t stoop to her level. She’s not your darling daughter.”
Lauren scoffed, “Let’s go. I want to see how long she can keep up this act.”
They all entered the café together. It was quiet inside, just the four of them.
A cup of coffee sat in front of Josefina, its rich aroma filling the air. Just one whiff, and Josefina had a hunch about the situation. With a calm demeanor, she prompted, “Spill it.”
Billy, with a grin, started, “Josie, ever since you left, a bunch of our partners pulled their investments. You know these people, don’t you?”
Lauren’s eyes bore into Josefina, filled with malice and a range of emotions, the clearest being contempt — a sentiment that almost made Josefina laugh.
Josefina leaned back in her chair. Her natural beauty was undeniable, even without makeup.
“I know them, so what?” she said nonchalantly.
Billy’s eyes were fervent, almost pleading. “Really? Josie, do your old man a favor. Talk to them, get them to keep doing business with our company, will you?”
Lauren, suppressing her contempt, spoke evenly, “Josie, we raised you for eighteen years. Don’t you think you owe us something?”
Ruby chimed in, “Josie, you’re so capable. You can win over those big shots. Help us out one more time, please.”
Josefina saw the disdain in Lauren and Ruby’s eyes all too clearly. She laughed, “You look down on me in your hearts, yet here you are asking for my help. Isn’t that just pathetic?”
Lauren couldn’t keep up the facade any longer, gritting her teeth. “Josefina, how dare you call us pathetic? What are you then? If it weren’t for us raising you, you’d be dead by now!”
In a cool and steady tone, Josefina replied, “Then why didn’t you kill me? Oh, that’s right. You’d be a murderer then.”
Chapter 36
Lauren was grinding her teeth in anger, but Billy was holding her arm, keeping her from exploding into a tirade.
Billy still had that grin plastered on his face. “Josie, have a sip of coffee, chill out. Whatever it is, we can talk it out slow and easy.”
Josefina coughed twice behind her hand before taking a couple of sips of her coffee.
That’s when Billy continued, “Josie, you know how your mom’s got a short fuse, right? She’s always been like this, so don’t get worked up. I reached out ’cause I need your help with the family biz.”
As Josefina kept her lips sealed, Billy pressed on, “Josie, if our company is doing well, you can benefit too, right? I mean, sure, your current folks aren’t rolling in dough, but when the time comes for you to tie the knot, me and your mom can throw in a helping hand.”
Lauren chimed in, “When that day comes, we’ll be there for you, make sure your in-laws know they can’t push you around.”
Ruby added her two cents, “Josie, helping out Dad now is like helping yourself, right? Before a girl gets hitched, she’s gotta show her worth, make sure no one underestimates her, you know?”
Josefina was like, what the heck? Were these three for real?
Josefina had to laugh, “Who says a woman has to get married? I can’t choose not to? Besides, why would I marry someone who looks down on me? Am I out of my mind?”
Lauren scoffed at Josefina’s confidence, “Easy for you to say, Josefina. After being played by those big shots, you’re still acting like Miss Goody Two-Shoes?”
Josefina’s brow furrowed, her expression turned to ice. “So, are you telling me you called me here to sell myself to win over some connections??”
With the cat out of the bag, Billy told it how it was, “Josie, take one for the team, for the family’s sake. Once we’re back on track, I’ve got your back, right?”
Lauren was blunt, “What kind of life can you expect with your biological parents? They ain’t billionaires, and you’re no rich ladies. Face reality, girl, gotta keep your feet on the ground, right?”
Ruby played the guilt card, “Josie, if you help Mom and Dad now, they’ll help you later, and I won’t make a peep.”
Josefina snorted, “Unbelievable. We’re not even family anymore, and you kicked me out. Why should I lift a finger for you? Who do you think you are, so full of yourselves?”
Since Josefina wasn’t taking the bait, Billy went for the hard sell, “Help me broker a deal, and I’ll give you a cool million, how about that?”
Lauren thought that was too generous, “A million is way too much. Give her half and she’ll be over the moon with gratitude.”
Ruby suggested, “Let’s just give her a million. She’s still part of the Antonio clan. Mom, I’m not mad, as long as it helps Mom and Dad, I’m up for anything.”
Josefina shot back, “You’re up for anything, so why don’t you sell yourself?”
Josefina stood up, sneering with contempt, “A million? My pocket money is more than that. What do you take me for?”
Josefina’s vision doubled, and as the three figures before her blurred, she fainted. Billy caught her just in time.
Lauren cursed, “Why did you catch her? Let her fall and be done with it.”
Billy retorted, “Are you brainless? If she cracks her skull, how’s she gonna deal? Quick, help her up, Sammuel’s waiting at the hotel.”
The three of them supported Josefina and took her to the hotel.
Chapter 37
Billy helped Josefina to the hotel, straight to Sammuel’s room.
In the room at that moment, Sammuel, with his big belly, watched the unconscious Josefina with great satisfaction. “Billy, you’ve got a real gem here, but it’s a shame she’s out cold. It would’ve been so much better if she were awake.”
Billy, eager to please, chuckled, “Sammuel, my gal’s got too much fire in her. I was worried she’d kill your vibe.”
“I love ’em fiery. There’s nothing like taming a wild one.”
Billy laid Josefina on the bed. “Sammuel, about our deal…”
“Don’t sweat it, it’s all signed. My secretary will hand it to you later.”
Billy was over the moon. “Sammuel, I’ll get out of your hair then. Don’t want to cramp your style.”
Not long after Billy left, Sammuel approached Josefina. But before he could make a move, a scream cut through the air. Josefina nailed Sammuel in the gut with a kick, leaving him howling in pain.
“How could you hit me! You think I won’t have the Antonio family bankrupt in a heartbeat?”
Josefina towered over him, “Oh, really? Well, I’m all eyes. Billy sent me to beat the lights out of you. Said he’s been itching to take you down for ages.”
Sammuel was steaming. He’d been played by Billy, big time.
“And Billy called you a dimwit,” Josefina continued, “Said once he got the contract, he’d kick you to the curb.”
Sammuel was livid. And the aftermath was gonna be brutal.
Sammuel’s rage made Josefina’s day. She dusted off her hands and left the mess behind.
As for Billy, he was chilling at a nearby café with Lauren and Ruby, waiting for Josefina to emerge from the hotel in shambles. Instead, they saw Josefina stride out unscathed, hopping on a bike and taking off.
Ruby was bewildered. “Dad, she’s fine!”
Lauren was incredulous. “Sammuel was that quick? Way too quick.”
Billy’s brow furrowed. Something was off. He reached for his phone to call Sammuel. Before he could dial, Sammuel’s call came in. “Billy, you son of a gun, you set me up. You’re dead meat!”
Before Billy could say a word, Sammuel hung up and blocked him.
Then came the secretary’s call. “Mr. Antonio, we’re in deep trouble. Sammuel’s pulled the plug on the deal. The company’s going under.”
Billy’s heart sank. He couldn’t fathom how Sammuel couldn’t handle Josefina. What on earth did she say or do?
Lauren was fuming, cursing Josefina non-stop, while Ruby kept her head down, scared stiff Billy might send her out to hit the streets.
Billy tried calling Josefina in anger, but couldn’t get through.
…
The Antonio family couldn’t find Josefina, and she was living it up. She didn’t sue Billy. It was payback for the last shred of gratitude she owed. If the Antonio family dared touch her again, she
wouldn’t hold back.
…
Josefina planned to check on Brandon’s health today, after raking in so much cash. After breakfast, Brandon sent a car for her.
Hattie cautioned, “Sweetie Josie, make it a quick visit, yeah? I’ll have the driver follow the Baldwin family’s car. Just hop in to come back home whenever.”
Garrett reminded her too, “Don’t bother with lunch at the Baldwin’s. I’ll have a seafood feast ready for you here.”
Josefina couldn’t help but laugh at their overprotectiveness. “Don’t worry, I’ll be home for lunch.”
Her words eased the couple’s worries. They saw Josefina to the door, watched her get into the Baldwin’s car, their hearts heavy with longing.
“Honey, it hurts me to watch Josie drive off. It’s like our little girl’s left the nest for good.”
Chapter 38
Garrett let out a sigh and said, “I’m feeling the same way. Maybe it’s better for us to find Josie a husband who would live with us in the future. That way, we won’t be separated.”
“That’s a brilliant idea. We’ll have to see what Josie thinks about it.”
The couple’s chat reached Lena’s ears, making her green with envy and boiling with rage. So she was supposed to get married and get out of this family, and Josefina didn’t have to?
Were all the Harrison family’s assets going to Josefina?
Clenching her fists, Lena seized the moment when Garrett and Hattie stepped inside, and sent off a text on her phone.
After getting a reply, her expression went back to normal. She hurried inside, joining the chat with Garrett and Hattie, doing her best to make a good impression.
…
As the car sped along the road, Josefina sat in the back, watching the trees on both sides blur past due to the high speed. Not only that, she realized that they weren’t heading towards Brandon’s place.
She had specifically asked Brandon to send her the address, just in case of an accident. And here the accident was, coming at her fast.
“This isn’t the way to the Baldwin family’s place, is it?” Josefina asked, her voice calm as still water, not a hint of shock, like a queen strategizing behind the scenes.
The driver, oblivious to Josefina’s emotions, sped up even more instead.
The driver was silent as a grave, so Josefina attempted to send a message, but there was a signal jammer in the car, blocking her from sending any SOS texts or making calls.
Josefina didn’t bother trying to text anymore. Leaning back, she crossed her arms and, with a cool smirk, watched the direction they were heading.
The driver was taken aback – Josefina had sensed something was off and yet she wasn’t screaming her head off. Was she scared stiff?
Josefina spoke up, “Have you thought about the consequences of betraying the Baldwin family?”
The driver’s body visibly shook, and a realization hitting him, he took a deep breath and said, “I’m so sorry, Ms. Josefina, I had no choice. They just want to have a word with you. Don’t worry.”
Josefina was far from convinced this was just about having a word. The other party was clearly hostile. There were other ways to talk, no need for such extreme measures.
The car kept driving until they arrived at an abandoned factory.
“Please get off the car,” said the driver as he got out and opened the car door.
Josefina glanced at the driver, then calmly stepped out of the car. With a gun pointed at her, she cooperated fully and walked into the factory.
Meanwhile, back at the Baldwin family’s place.
Oliver had been waiting for a while and lifted his wrist to check the time on his watch. “Asher, check the surveillance along the route.”
“Right away,” Asher immediately went to check.
Brandon’s expression turned anxious as he asked worriedly, “What’s going on?”
“By now, she should almost be here. Asher tried calling the driver, no answer.”
Oliver’s brief statement sent Brandon into a panic. “Check it out, quick! Find out what’s going on!” Brandon’s voice was angry and anxious. If something happened to Josefina on her way to the Baldwin family, the Harrisons would never let them off?
Brandon was furious, “Check that driver! If he dares betray the Baldwin family, I’ll make an example out of him for everyone to see.”
The cost of betraying the Baldwin family – could they even bear it?
Oliver stood up, “Grandpa, you stay home. I’ll bring Josie back.”
Following the lead Asher had found, Oliver raced against time.
Brandon also had his people pitch in to help, to rescue Josefina as quickly as possible. Josefina’s safety was all that mattered.
Chapter 39
In an abandoned factory, a camera was set up, with three lecherous-looking bruisers standing next to it. The driver was nowhere to be seen, and it seemed like everyone inside were tough guys, acting as if they were dead set on preventing Josefina from making a break for it.
The men ogled Josefina, with looks of approval on their faces.
“Man, this chick is hot – she’s got curves in all the right places, a real knockout.”
“Let’s get this show on the road, I’d die happy on her.”
“Are we all going in together, or taking turns?”
“This lady’s got some spice. She’s probably pretending she can’t handle us all at once, huh? Let’s go one by one.”
The three guys were all fired up discussing their plans, treating Josefina as if she was just a piece of meat on the chopping block.
The simple outfit of a T-shirt and jeans on Josefina couldn’t hide her rocking bod. With a cool look in her eyes, she slightly pursed her red lips and spoke, “Who sent you guys?”
The leader, with a dagger in his hand, clearly didn’t take Josefina seriously. “When you’re on your last breath, I’ll tell you.”
He slammed the sharp dagger into the table and said to the others, “Hurry up.”
The three men moved towards Josefina, encircling her with lustful and greedy eyes. A bunch of onlookers stood to the side, just there to watch the spectacle of Josefina being humiliated.
One of the men reached out with his big hand, but Josefina grabbed him in a swift move, breaking his arm with a harsh twist – the sound of snapping bones echoed in the air. Quick as lightning, she kicked between another guy’s legs, sending him rolling on the ground in agony.
The rest swarmed her, but she grabbed the nearest one, delivered a kick to his gut, seized another man’s arm, and snatched the dagger from the leader’s hand, slashing away rapidly. In no time, the men were covered in cuts of varying sizes, bleeding uncontrollably.
As an acupuncturist, Josefina knew exactly where to strike to cause non-stop bleeding or instant death.
The leader pulled out a gun and fired at Josefina. She dodged swiftly, using one of the men as a human shield, and in the gunman’s moment of distraction, she snatched the firearm and shot him twice in the leg.
Just then, Josefina heard rapid footsteps from outside. She didn’t linger to fight, just grabbed the gun and ran. There was too much backup coming. She had to get out of there first. A smart person knows when to cut their losses.
Josefina made her way out, with the sounds of pursuit growing closer. The abandoned factory, once in the textile business, had fabrics hanging high, all tattered and torn.
She saw a figure ahead, which meant she was probably surrounded. She furrowed her brow tightly and slowly moved forward. Gun in hand, she rushed forward, aiming at the person ahead. And that person also drew quickly, aiming at her. The fluttering fabric made their line of sight crystal clear.
“Josefina!”
“Oliver?”
Josefina’s gun was pointed at Oliver, and his at her, both ready to fire at any second. If not for their exceptional reflexes, bullets would’ve already pierced their foreheads.
In that moment, Oliver pulled Josefina into his arms, and with the gun in his right hand, he shot through the enemy’s forehead with unerring accuracy. His precise shooting left Josefina stunned.
Asher arrived with backup, respectfully addressing Oliver, “Sir, we’ve subdued the people who kidnapped Ms. Josefina.”
Oliver finally exhaled in relief, “Interrogate them properly, but don’t kill them.”
Chapter 40
“Sure.” Asher got the order and hit the ground running.
Josefina was still clutching the handgun, her nerves totally shot, her big doe eyes pure and glistening. Right then, she was freaking out big time. She’s gonna get busted again!
Awkwardly holding the gun, Josefina caught Oliver’s worried gaze as she stepped back from his embrace and handed him the gun, “This is way too spooky. I’m really scared.”
Oliver’s eyes softened as he took the gun from her and gently ruffled her hair, “I’m glad you’re okay.”
His soothing voice helped Josefina to gradually calm down. Josefina broke the silence, “How did you end up here?”
“I was at home with Grandpa waiting for you, but you were MIA. We tried calling the driver, but he wasn’t picking up. I had my people check the CCTV along the route and found out you were in trouble, so I rushed to save you. Luckily, I made it in time.”
Josefina was a bit taken aback, “You’re not at work?” They were so close that Josefina could see his smooth skin and the unfathomable emotions in his dark eyes.
In a voice filled with an alluring deep tone, he said, “It’s your first time coming over, of course, I had to wait for you at home.”
The proximity and his warm breath on her face made Josefina’s cheeks flush. She stepped back a few paces to regain her composure.
“Let’s get out of here.”
Just as Josefina tried to leave, Oliver swept her off her feet in an unexpected move, prompting her to instinctively cling to his neck. “You’ve hurt your calf. I’ll carry you out,” he said near her ear.
His words made Josefina glance at her leg, only then feeling the pain. Looks like she got nicked during the scuffle, but she hadn’t noticed. Thankfully, it wasn’t too bad.
“Oliver, put me down, I can walk,” she insisted. A little cut like this was nothing. She had been through much worse.
But Oliver didn’t listen, holding her tight as he carried her out. “Don’t move.”
Left with no choice, Josefina found herself in his arms as they moved forward.
When Josefina was brought to the hospital, it caused quite the stir. Coincidentally, Lena worked there and stumbled upon Oliver carrying Josefina. She approached them instinctively, “Oliver.”
But Oliver acted as if Lena was invisible, continuing on his way with Josefina in his arms.
The passing nurses were gobsmacked.
“So that’s the guy called Oliver Dr. Lena mentioned?”
“Didn’t Dr. Lena say they were about to tie the knot? Oliver didn’t give her the time of day.”
“Turns out Lena’s got a one-sided crush?”
“Match made in heaven or not, if the guy’s not into her, what’s she so high and mighty about?”
“I’m off the clock. Let me go snoop around.”
One nosy nurse dashed forward.
Lena was fuming. If people discovered she wasn’t the real daughter of the Harrisons, she’d be done for. Not ready to let her secret slip, Lena marched up and grabbed the nurse’s arm. “You slack off during work hours? Believe me, I’ll report you to the director.”
The nurse, red in the face and embarrassed, scampered off.
Lena’s anger was bouncing off the walls inside her. Her plan had totally backfired. She had intended to have Josefina assaulted, with the video going viral. Even if the Harrisons adored Josefina, they wouldn’t announce she was the real daughter then.
Now what was she supposed to do?
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