Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josefina hit redial on her phone, and Luke's anxious voice crackled through the speaker. "Boss, big client alert!"

Josefina raised an eyebrow. "Which client?"

"The one who dropped a fortune on your self-portrait last time. Well, he's back for more."

Josefina let out a sigh. A self-portrait, again?

"Luke, tell this guy I'm swamped. I have no time for brushwork."

"Are you turning down cash? Since when were you not in it for the green?"Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Luke caught on quick. Josefina was notorious for her money-making hustle. If she was passing up this payday, something was up. He whispered, "What's the deal? Is the art collector your nemesis or something?"

"You're overthinking it."

Luke's excitement spiked. "Ever since I've known you, you've been the cash queen. No job is too big, and no fee is too small. What's the story this time? There's gotta be more to it, and I don't buy for a second there isn't."

Josefina leaned back on the sofa, cradling a glass of juice, and replied with slight irritation, "Luke, with that imagination, why aren't you writing novels?"

"Well, it's not Oliver, is it?"

Josefina paused. Busted. He guessed it.

"Wow, the world's richest man's got the hots for you. Can't say he doesn't have taste. You're top-notch, and him landing you would be his lucky day." Josefina rolled her eyes. "You're too chatty. I've got stuff to do. Later." She ended the call and buried herself in her work.

Lena tossed and turned in bed, rest eluding her. Her phone rang, its familiar tone prompting her to answer swiftly.

"What's with the fumbles, Lena? Ever since Josefina got back, you've been off your game."

The oppressive voice on the other

end sent shivers down Lena's spine.

Her teeth chattered uncontrollably,

betraying her unrest. "It's like

형.net

Josefina's onto every plan. My horse

went berserk, which was probably

herdoing. She touched it, and next

thing I knew, I was in trouble."

The man's voice was cold, dismissive. "Really? What is she, some kind of witch doctor?"

Lena, desperate not to seem defensive, said helplessly, "Ever since her return, nothing's gone right. And today, I noticed Emily, Garrett, and Hattie... are all clean of toxins."

"What!" He hadn't expected his schemes to unravel so suddenly. "Stay your hand for now. I'll have someone look into this."

Lena dared not act recklessly, fearing she'd botch his plans and meet a grizzly end.

"I sent you to the Harrison family for a reason. Serve well," he reminded her.

"I know, sir. My life is in your debt. I'll be good and repay your kindness."

The call ended, and Lena lay back, the luxury around her meaningless.

Brandon sat in his room, his brow furrowed in concern. When Bennett came in with a tray of food, he noticed Brandon's mood. He set the meal down and approached. "Sir, if there's something bothering you, why not spill it? Maybe I can help."

Brandon hesitated. "Well, there is something. Josie finally spends a night here, and there's no spark flying with the young man. At this rate, when will I see my

о

great-grandkids?"

Bennett pondered for a moment before responding, "Sir, best not to worry. The kids will find their way. You should focus on resting."

Brandon hatched a cunning plan. "Then maybe I should play sick a little longer."

He couldn't very well leave them alone together overnight, could he?