Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 145

When Billy heard the voice on the other end of the phone, he was absolutely ecstatic. Wasn't this like a dream come true?

"The company's saved! It's really saved, it's like a miracle!" Billy danced around with uncontainable joy.

Lauren and Ruby stepped out just in time to catch Billy's jubilant jig, looking for all the world like he'd lost his marbles.

Passersby gave him sidelong glances, their whispers barely concealed.

"Is that guy off his rocker or what?"

"He's totally lost it."

"Good Lord! Someone should call the loony bin for him."

Lauren marched over, grabbing hold of Billy's arm, "Billy, have you gone nuts?"

Ruby was worried too. If something happened to Billy, who would clean up the mess at the company?

Billy's face was alight with excitement, "Don't you see? We're gonna be rolling in dough!"

He grabbed Ruby's wrist, "Ruby, come on, I'm taking you shopping for some new threads."

Amidst Lauren and Ruby's puzzled looks, Billy whisked them off to a boutique. Ruby couldn't believe the extent of extravagance as he bought three sets of clothes and another handbag for her. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Wasn't Billy known to pinch pennies? Now he was bleeding cash, which could only mean he had some lucrative scheme up his sleeve. Ruby saw right through these antics.

Back at home, Lauren felt like ants were crawling over her with anxiety, desperate to know what had gotten into Billy.

"Billy, have you lost your mind? You're throwing around money like it's nothing—has the company's crisis been sorted?" Sure, it was right to treat Ruby well, but Billy's actions were perplexing.

Lounging on the couch, Billy couldn't hide his glee, "Remember our family's engagement pact with the Baldwins?"

Lauren nodded, "I know, your father said the Baldwins were loaded. Before he passed, he told us the engagement was off; he didn't want his old friend to think we were social climbers."

Billy snorted, "He didn't know jack. I've done my homework—the Baldwins are the top dogs, the global tycoons, that Baldwin family."

Lauren and Ruby caught on to the significance—marrying into the Baldwin family meant high society, wealth, and influence on tap. Helping Billy would be a cinch.

Ruby, mulling over her prospects, chirped from the couch, "Dad, are we visiting the Baldwins tomorrow? If I can marry into the Baldwin family, I'll definitely help our family and expand the company."

Billy was touched by Ruby's words. They struck a chord.

"Ruby, my girl. Get some rest tonight, doll up tomorrow, and you'll accompany me to meet Brandon. If he's on board, then it's off to see Oliver. Our luck's just around the corner."

Ruby nodded happily and headed upstairs to rest, aiming to meet the Baldwins in top form.

...

Josefina arrived home to the news that Oliver had come by. As her family entered, they saw Oliver comfortably sipping tea in the living room.

The chandelier cast a halo of light around him, and when he looked up at the sound of their arrival, his eyes fixed on Josefina, lingering with affection. His doting gaze made Josefina blush.

They all went in, and Oliver cordially greeted the elders.

Lena didn't hesitate to call out, "Good evening, Oliver. It's so nice to see you."