Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 166

Oliver stepped out of the car, a gift in hand. "Sir, I heard you're quite the gemstone aficionado. Got some raw stones here, thought they might give you something to do in your leisure time."

The chauffeur quickly assisted with the gifts while Oliver opened one of the boxes.

A glance was enough for Garrett to recognize the superior quality of the emerald stones. His expression softened into a smile. "Oliver, that's very thoughtful of you." The two men shared a laugh as they made their way inside.

...

Upon hearing of Oliver's return with Josefina, Lena quickly slipped into a chic silk nightgown and headed downstairs. She descended the staircase just as Oliver entered and noticed his tall stature and the slight purse of his lips.

Her foot touched down on the stairs, and she took the initiative. "Josie, Oliver, you're back, huh?"

Oliver, engaged in conversation with Garrett, paid no mind to Lena. Josefina gave her a nod and continued chatting with Hattie.

Lena, in her spaghetti strap nightgown, displayed her bare shoulders, which drew a frown from Hattie. "Lena, we have company. Go change into something more appropriate," she admonished. The nightgown was just not suitable for the occasion.

Lena was taken aback, her expression souring. She cozied up to Hattie with a grin. "Mom, I just rushed down to greet Josie. It's just a nightgown, and it's not revealing. It's fine, right?"

Josefina, overhearing Lena's words, gave a meaningful smile. "Lena, do you normally greet guests in your nightgown?"

Lena's face turned a shade darker as she retorted, "I'll go upstairs and change." She fled to her room, her face contorting with barely concealed rage.

Regina entered quietly with a plate of fruit, whispering, "Miss Lena, the way the lady spoke was clearly on purpose. She's embarrassed by you!"

Lena shot her a chilling look. "Shut your trap." Did such unkind words need to be said to her face?

Though chastised, Regina persisted, "Miss Lena, change your clothes and go back down. If Oliver leaves, you'll miss your chance to speak with him. You know the saying, familiarity breeds fondness. The more Oliver sees you, the more he'll recognize your worth."

Heeding the advice, Lena quickly changed into a pristine white dress and let her hair cascade down her back. She knew men had a thing for long hair and white dresses, reminiscent of a first love. After applying her makeup and feeling fabulous, she descended the stairs only to find Josefina munching on a grilled cheese sandwich and sipping a milkshake.

But where was Oliver? Where could he be? Why couldn't she see Oliver?

Lena hurried downstairs, only to find that Garrett and Hattie were gone. "Josie, where's Oliver?"

"He left. Mom and Dad went to see him off."

Lena was livid! So she'd been played like a fool, twirled around in circles?

This had to be Josefina's doing!

Lena clenched her teeth and approached from behind Josefina. In another setting, she'd have strangled Josefina with her hair.

Suddenly, Josefina spun around, and Lena's malicious expression twisted into one of pitiful innocence.

Damn it! She almost twisted face from that!

If not for the training she'd received back in the day, she would never have been able to switch expressions so effortlessly!© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.