Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 99

Billy gazed at Ruby's design sketches, his face lighting up with pride. "Sweetheart, I never saw this coming, but you've got a real knack for design. I mean, it's spectacular. As soon as you graduate, you're joining the family business."

Ruby beamed. "Thanks, Dad. I'll work hard, I promise."

"Now, with the pre-orders soaring at the company, once we ship out the first batch, we'll start seeing the cash flow coming in. Sweetheart, I'll buy you a car. You can't start college without a set of wheels."

Ruby's smile widened. "Thank you, Dad!" Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Billy's eyes were glued to the climbing pre-order figures, his heart racing with the anticipation of the windfall.

Ruby, however, was consumed with worry rather than joy. She had handed over all of Josefina's stolen designs to Billy. What would she do without Josefina's talent to rely on now?

...

When Calix sauntered downstairs, he found Hattie sipping her morning coffee, chatting with Lena.

Lena waved him over cheerfully. "Morning, Calix! Sleep well?"

Calix looked around. "Where's Josie?"

Hattie smirked. "Think Josie is as lazy as you? She's already at work."

Calix yawned extravagantly. "Mom, I'll have you know I'm a man with a career."

Hattie raised an eyebrow. "You? And what career might that be, because it's news to me."

Calix sighed inwardly. If only he'd woken up earlier, he could have had breakfast with Josie! Now, he planned to sneak out and grab lunch with her.

...

After completing a set of five new designs, Josefina rubbed her sore shoulders. Her phone rang with an unfamiliar number.

"Josie, it's Mr. Brandon. I'm across the street from your office at the Central Diner. I've ordered a feast. Can I bring it over?"

Josefina knew that refusing Brandon would only lead him to insist more. "Hold on, Grandpa Brandon. I'll come to you."

"Take your time, Josie. I'll be here waiting," Brandon replied, his voice filled with joy. He was busy playing cupid for Oliver. After all, as his grandpa, it was his duty to assist in the courtship! And what could be better than welcoming his granddaughter-in-law into the family?

...

Josefina arrived at the Central Diner and was greeted by Bennett at the door. "Ms. Josefina, right this way, please." She nodded gracefully and was let to Bennett's private dining room.

Brandon stood to welcome her with a hearty smile. "Josie, come, sit down."

"Brandon, why did you order so much?" she asked, surveying the table laden with dishes.

The table boasted a spread of twenty dishes, a mix of different cuisine. As they spoke, waiters kept bringing in more.

"Josie, you must be hungry. Dig in!"

Josefina was touched by the gesture. "Grandpa Brandon, please join me."

As they shared the meal, Brandon, who initially wasn't hungry, found himself enjoying a hearty bowl of soup and half a bread roll, watching Josefina eat with relish.

"Josie, I hope you weren't scared off by yesterday's events?" he asked, finally touching on his reason for coming.

Josefina, understanding his concern, shook her head with a reassuring smile. "I'm not afraid. As the old saying goes, every household has its own troubles. I understand."

Relief washed over Brandon as he looked at Josefina with even more affection.