Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 65

The morning after, Lena was taken aback when she heard that Josefina was heading off to work at the company. "Working? Aren't you fresh out of your final exams? Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

With a chuckle, Hattie explained, "Well, Josie said she was itching to get busy and feeling antsy without earning her own keep. We figured we'd grant her some assets, so she's off to check on one of her businesses today."

Finishing her last bite of a sunny-side-up egg, Josefina's eyes twinkled playfully. "Aren't you supposed to be in school? I thought you were about my age. Even though I started a year late, you should be a freshman in college by now, right?"

Lifting her chin with pride, Lena declared, "I may have started school a year ahead of you, but I'm already a sophomore. Plus, with my knack for medicine, I'm attending med school and have already begun my hospital internship." Still, Lena would have to return to school once her internship was up.

Josefina, amused by Lena's haughty demeanor, complimented her, "Wow, you're impressive."

Garrett was ridden with guilt, and lamented, "If Josie hadn't been switched at birth, she wouldn't have had to delay her exams till this year. Sweetheart, got any colleges you're fond of? Wherever you wish to go, I'll make sure you get in."

Given the Harrisons' deep pockets, Josefina could take her pick. Her parents always planned for their beloved daughter.

Lena caught the underlying message. Josefina didn't seem to be the darling of the Antonios and likely wasn't too sharp academically, right?

Tsk, tsk, so what if she’s a billionaire’s daughter? She sucked at school!

But Lena forgot that regardless of whether Josefina was a top student or not, her birthright was something Lena herself could never achieve in a lifetime.

With a playful grin, Lena teased, "Josie, just tell Dad which school you fancy. He adores you so much. A few extra buildings in your name should do the trick."

Josefina's expression remained gentle, her smile sweet. "Let's wait for the exam results."

Lena didn't take Josefina seriously. Was this just a case of pride? Well, a strong sense of self-worth can be a good thing. Lena was curious to see Josefina's exam results.

After breakfast, Josefina was chauffeured to the company. "I'll come with you, Josie. Let the driver take you. I'd worry if you went alone. I'll just keep you company in the car," Hattie insisted, keen to ensure Josefina would accept her company, even if just from a distance.

Since Hattie insisted, how could Josefina refuse? Garrett was also eager to try and offer himself for the task of dropping Josefina off at work.

Catching his glance, Hattie knew exactly what he was thinking. "Don't you have a meeting this morning? Get back to work, and while you're at it, call those three rascals to come home. Josie's been back for days. As her brothers, they should be here with gifts to welcome her."

Garrett was reminded of his three sons, which brought on a headache. Those boys were only ever keen on Lena, acting like she was their only sister and reluctant to return home. Always 'busy' – but were they really?

"I'll call them the moment I get back to the office!" Garrett's voice betrayed his irritation.

Josefina, for her part, was indifferent. She didn't really care what her brothers thought.

"Well, I'm off to work then." With a smile and a wave, Josefina left in the car.

Sitting beside her, Hattie's voice was soft but firm with repeated instructions, "Darling Josie, remember what Mom said. Fire any employee who doesn't behave, anyone who dares to disrespect you, and anyone who upsets you. The company's yours, so do as you please." Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Josefina couldn't help but laugh at Hattie's overindulgence.

"Josie, you don't need to feel awkward about it. You're the boss. They're the employees. If employees start showing attitude and disobey, the company's better off without them."