Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josie took Garrett's wrist between her fingers, feeling for the rhythm of life pulsing under his skin. "I've got just the thing for you," she said with a confident smile. "A bottle of herbal pills, perfect for cooling down and calming the storm inside. These are all-natural and way safer than your regular pharmaceuticals." She fished the bottle out of her bag and handed it to Garrett.

Lena's forehead creased in concern but quickly smoothed it away with a forced smile. "Josie, did you whip those up yourself? They haven't been through clinical trials, you know. Isn't that kind of risky?" Josie's smile broadened. "Who told you they haven't been tested? The big pharmacy at your hospital stocks them, doesn't it?"

Lena's frown returned, deeper this time. She hadn't been aware of that.

"And it's not just your hospital. Check out some of the drugstores around town if you don't believe me," Josie added, her voice carrying a note of triumph. Garrett chuckled. "Josie, you're something else. Way ahead of your three brothers. You care about us and take care of our health-seriously impressive!" Hattie, sitting nearby, reached out a hand. "Josie, could you check me out, too? My sleep's been all over the place these past few nights."

Josie moved to sit by Hattie and took her pulse, their features mirroring each other's. Hattie's gaze was soft and indulgent as she watched her daughter. Lena, sitting close by, saw the exchange in vivid detail. Blood ties were undeniable, she thought. There was a clear bias.

Seated apart, Lena watched the two with a growing bitterness, which she hastily concealed when Josie's eyes flicked her way, replacing it with a smile. Josefina suddenly offered, "Let me take a look at you, too, Lena."

Lena shook her head vehemently, the very thought of Josie examining her sending waves of panic through her. "I just had a check-up yesterday. No need to trouble yourself, Josie," Lena said, her hands nervously entwined as if to ward off any insistence.

Josie was curious. It was just a pulse reading; why was Lena so jittery? Did she have some secret she was hiding?

Though intrigued, Josie wasn't one to force her help on anyone. She'd have to find another way to satisfy her curiosity.

Billy's company had just about

weathered the storm, but it had cost him dearly Sitting in the AntonioThis is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

family's opulent villa, he couldn'tnet"

help but feel sour. If he couldn't turn things around, his lifestyle would

plummet. t

When Ruby descended the stairs, spotting Billy lost in his worries, her instinct was to retreat. But he caught sight of her. "Ruby, come sit," he called out.

Ruby braced herself and settled onto the plush sofa, her demeanor a blend of politeness and grace.

"Ruby, you've got a knack for fashion design, right? Where are your sketches? I need to see them. It's time for a fresh start."

Actually, Ruby knew nothing of design. She had pilfered Josie's work and used it all up. "Things have been hectic at home. I can't find peace of mind, let alone inspiration," she lied.

Billy's face darkened, his displeasure evident as he glared at Ruby. "I asked you to talk to Xavier about investing in the company. How did that go?"

Ruby was silent, her worst fears realized. "Xavier's been busy, and his mother keeps a tight leash on him," she muttered.

Billy's mood grew colder than a

winter gale. Ever since Josie left, et

their fortunes had nosedived.

Without a change, they might as well brace for tough times ahead.

"Get to Xavier now. I don't care how you do it, but you'd better secure some funding."

Ruby flinched, nodding her compliance. What could she possibly do?