Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Oliver's expression softened noticeably as he learned that Annika was Josefina's maid. He flashed a grateful smile at Annika and said, "Thanks."

That smile nearly knocked Annika for six. "Wowzers, Josefina's boyfriend is a total hunk, " Annika thought to herself.

"It's no trouble at all, Mr. Oliver. You're too kind," Annika replied with a beaming smile.

Oliver wasn't in the mood to engage Lena any longer, anxious that if he lingered, she'd cling to him like a burr. He made a swift exit.

Annika rolled her eyes at Lena, then turned to Ryan and remarked, "Mr. Oliver is such a gent, not even making a fuss about the suit. That outfit looks pricy. It's a blessing he didn't ask Miss Lena to cough up any dough."

Ryan was speechless. "Annika, don't you think you're oversimplifying things?"

"How so? Mr. Oliver is legit awesome. He didn't make Miss Lena pay a dime. How's that not cool?" Annika gave Lena a look of cool indifference. "Miss Lena, you gotta wise up. That's Ms. Josefina's boyfriend, and you don't want any misunderstandings, right? Think about how it looks, fussing over Mr. Oliver's threads."

Suddenly, Ryan got the sense that maybe Annika was faking understanding more than she actually had. He chuckled and said, "Annika, better take care of Mr. Oliver's suit, alright?"

"You're right. A suit this fancy deserves a good wash before we return it to Ms. Josefina."

Annika, afraid Lena might call her back, grabbed the clothes and scampered off. Ryan followed suit, equally afraid of being roped into Lena's drama.

Upon reaching Josefina's room, Annika vividly relayed the incident.

"Ms. Josefina, you wouldn't believe it, Mr. Oliver was so awesome! If it weren't for the sake of the Harrison family, he would've sent Lena flying with one kick." Josefina was flabbergasted. This was news to her. "Lena's got guts, doesn't she? After so many setbacks, still fearless?"

"Yup, she's relentless. Ms. Josefina, here's Mr. Oliver's suit. Should we trash it, or give it a wash and wear it again?"

Josefina eyed the suit on the table,

her frugal nature kicking in. "Leave the clothes here, Annika. I'll wash it and then return it to Oliver. Such an expensive piece can't just be tossed aside."

Annika looked at Josefina fondly, her affection growing. "You're spot on, Ms. Josefina. We can't let Lena win this one; she really has no shame."

"And you know, Ms. Josefina," Annika went on, "you and Mr. Oliver are like a match made in heaven."

Josefina blushed and touched her ear sheepishly. "Annika, it's not a done deal yet."

With a big smile, Annika teased, "Ms. Josefina, you don't have to be shy. It's getting late. You should rest. I'll head off and prep for breakfast tomorrow." Annika left with @smile still on her face.

Josefina gazed at the clothes on the table, lost in thought. Her phone rang. It was Luke. Remembering the content of a recent text, she answered immediately.

"Boss, you finally picked up. ThroughAll content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

my investigation, I found that the

doctors from the hospital where

your mom, Lauren, and Lena's mom

were, alt left within a couple of

years either resigning or being

transferred, then vanished without a

trace."

Josefina was taken aback. Someone was deliberately covering this up?

"Whatever has happened, there will always be traces left behind," Josefina stated with conviction.

Luke laughed. "S harp as ever. Indeed, I've tracked down a nurse who might know something. I'm on my way to her now. I'll let you know as soon as I have news."