Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Their eyes locked in a sudden collision, and Josefina's heart skipped a beat. Her secret - being Gideon - was out, and Oliver had stumbled upon it!

Oliver himself was taken aback. He'd merely wanted a moment with Josefina, to enjoy her company, but instead, he overheard the bombshell revelation that she was connected to Gideon.

With a knowing gaze that seemed to pierce through her, Oliver's smile was disarmingly charming. Josefina's heart lurched, and she found herself speechless under his intent scrutiny.

Oliver closed the distance, his presence undeniable. "Josie, how many more layers are you hiding from me, huh?"

Josefina was flustered as if caught with her hand in the cookie jar, and her cheeks flared with color. "You heard everything."

"I did, and I'll keep your secret," Oliver assured her. His smile broadened.

Grandpa Robert chimed in, protective as ever, "Josie doesn't want this out in the open, Oliver. Keep this under wraps, you hear?"

"Don't worry, Grandpa Robert. I never forget a promise made to Josie. My word is my bond."

Walter, caught in the awkward crossfire, deftly changed the subject, "Josie, what do you think of these paintings?"

As Walter guided Josefina towards the artwork, Oliver trailed behind her, step by step, matching her pace.

The scene didn't escape Shay's watchful eyes. Browsing the art herself, she followed Oliver, always a few steps behind, mirroring his movements.

Xavier and Ruby, too, took note of Oliver's shadowing behavior. Ruby, ever the speculator, ventured a bold guess. "Xavier, do you think... could Josefina be cozying up to Walter? Is that why Mr. Oliver is giving her special treatment?"

Xavier paused, skeptical. Ruby's

el.i

words couldn't be entirely dismissed nor fully believed. Without replying, he observed the interaction between Oliver and Josefina. As Walter discussed his paintings with a proud and satisfied nod to Josefina's comments, Xavier began to doubt Ruby's theory.

Walter had an impeccable reputation, and Xavier had never heard any murmur of scandal associated with him. A daring thought crossed Xavier's mind: could Josefina be the elusive, mysterious apprentice Gideon?

Seizing a moment when Josefina was alone, Xavier straightened his impeccable hair, checked his reflection for the umpteenth time, and approached her with a confident stride. "So, you're Gideon, right?" Josefina glanced sideways at Xavier, choosing silence over confirmation.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

"There's no need to hide. Your secret's safe with me." As Josefina turned to leave, Xavier blocked her path.

"Get lost," Josefina quipped sharply.

At first, he was infuriated, but then Xavier's anger flickered out, replaced by a sly smile. "Leaving just like that? You're not worried I'll spill the beans about your identity?"

Josefina stood before a landscape painting, and her lovely complexion was contrasted with the hint of a sneer. "Did I admit I'm Gideon? What can you charge me with based on an unconfirmed identity? Are you really ready to risk Walter's wrath? Would you, as an illegitimate child, dare to cross Mr. Walter?"

The barb hit home. Xavier loathed any mention of his legitimacy. Josefina knew this and had used it deliberately, seeking to end their entanglement.

Xavier's intentions were clear - he

wanted to uncover her secrets for his own agenda. "While I may be a bastard, Eve been acknowledged by the Rowland family. I live with them now and even own a company. Be my girl, and I assure you, you won't be shortchanged."