Chapter 19
Josefina shut down her computer with a cringe-worthy expression, snapping Garrett and Hattie back to reality.
Hattie rushed over, both shocked and ecstatic. "Sweetie, what on earth did you just pull off? That was like magic! How many more surprises do you have up your sleeve? My girl's got serious skills!" Garrett was astounded. "Josie, were you the expert you spoke of?"
Josefina knew she couldn't keep it under wraps anymore. She hadn't expected them to return so soon. She explained softly, "I used to study with a computer expert for a while. When it comes to these little things, I can handle them."
Hattie lamented again, "Oh, my precious girl, what kind of life have you been living? My poor baby, you've been through so much..."
Garrett watched Josefina with tender eyes, full of tenderness. "Josie, from now on, we will ensure you never have to suffer again."
The couple's kindness touched Josefina. She had braced herself for a barrage of questions, for doubt, but they just believed in her unconditionally.
Josefina said to Garrett, "Hand me your phone. I'll install an app so you can keep an eye on the ward. If any sketchy characters show up, you'll be able to act immediately."
Garrett quickly passed her the phone. After some swift tapping and swiping, Josefina found that someone had messed with Garrett's phone. She cleaned out the malware in a flash and beefed up his firewall before setting up the surveillance feed.
Garrett mentally noted his daughter's slick moves.
They wrapped up things at the hospital and left. No sooner had Josefina walked out than the news was relayed.
The word reached Lena's ears. She stood by the window, watching the sunrise inch up like her ascent in status.
"Miss, Mr. And Mrs. Harrison brought a girl with them. They stayed in the ward for a while, doing who knows what."
Lena's sharp features betrayed a hint of malice, yet her voice remained disarmingly calm, a stark contrast to her appearance. "Got it."
She hung up and whipped out another phone, launching an app to eavesdrop on Garrett's phone. As soon as she opened it, she found the malware.
Lena was baffled! She immediately powered down the phone, a chill running down her spine. Pacing her room, she fretted, "They couldn't possibly know about Granny's condition, right?"
"No, impossible! The Harrisons don't have a medic in the family, and even if they did, they couldn't know about the poison inside Granny."
As Lena paced and muttered, anxiety gnawed at her. The last thing she wanted was for her scheme to unravel.
She dialed someone. "We might have been blown."
After sending the message, she swiftly booked a flight home. This time, she was determined to reclaim what was hers!
...
It was nighttime, stars twinkling.
Fresh from her shower, Josefina lounged on the sofa, texting, [Is the lab all ready?]
[Boss, when have I ever let you down? Everything's set, just waiting for your inspection.]
Josefina replied, [Alright, tomorrow at 10 a.m.]
[Roger that, boss. Don't stand me up.]
She shot another message, [How's the herb prep going?]
[Boss, all set. I'll deliver them to Monkey tomorrow. Hey boss, how about we grab a meal tomorrow?]
[Sure, you pick the time and place, my treat.]
With her orders given, Josefina finally hit the hay. A comfy bed, a soft blanket, and a squishy toy was right by her pillow. Everything was so perfect, so surreal.
She never imagined she'd get to see her biological parents again, let alone discover she wasn't Billy's kid. But it made sense. I mean, which normal family would treat their child like that? Josefina drifted off on her comfy bed.
Back in the hospital ward, Brandon was furious. "Oliver, you're such a letdown! You're without a partner at your age - you trying to give me a heart attack?"
Oliver lounged in a chair. He had nowhere to put his long legs and just crossed them.