Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josefina managed a wry smile. "Maybe she felt sidelined when I came back. All the attention shifted to me, and she felt left out."

Hattie sighed, shaking her head in resignation. "I've been nothing but kind to Lena. But after what happened today, I am a bit peeved. Regina is her closest ally. I bet Lena had a hand in this." Josefina's surprise was evident, as she hadn't expected Hattie to be so perceptive or to doubt Lena.

Catching her daughter's astonished look, Hattie laughed. "Josie, you didn't honestly think your mom was some sort of naive sweetheart, did you?"

Embarrassed, Josefina chuckled, and Hattie continued, "I raised Lena as my own. How could I not know her temperament? Your father and I always felt she didn't quite fit the Harrison mold, but we never imagined that she wasn't my flesh and blood."

As they sat together on the garden bench, Hattie admired her charming and beautiful daughter, feeling a mix of affection and distress.

Lena's actions had chilled Hattie's heart. Josie was her biological child, who hadn't had the easiest of lives, and as her mother, Hattie wished she could give Josie the world.

"I'll have a talk with Lena later," Hattie said, sensing something was amiss.

In a gentle tone, she inquired, "Josie, how did you figure out Lena isn't fond of Oliver? Before you returned, she paraded her infatuation with him in front of us, as if Oliver was the only man she'd marry. I even mentioned it to your grandfather, who spoke with Mr. Brandon about a possible match. But Mr. Brandon couldn't speak for Oliver, and your father and I sensed Oliver's disinterest. Coupled with some rumors about him, we advised Lena to give up on that pursuit."

Now, as Josefina's bond with Oliver grew stronger, Hattie couldn't help but worry her precious daughter might get hurt. Oliver, however, never defended himself. He proved his affection for Josie through his actions, time and time again.

Hattie furrowed her brow, lost in thought.

"I don't see any love in Lena's eyes. Every time I see Dad looking at you, it's full of affection and adoration. Isn't that how you should look at someone you truly like?"

Hattie blushed deeply, feeling a bit embarrassed. She'd have to remind Garrett to tone it down. They couldn't be serving up a daily dose of 'couple goals' to their daughter, now could they?

Josefina's smile grew broader. "Mom, don't be shy. It's wonderful that you and Dad have such a strong relationship. It creates a lovely atmosphere at home." After moving from the Antonio family to the Harrison household, Josefina cherished the time spent with her new family.

Hattie, holding Josefina's hand, felt a pang of sorrow for her daughter's past hardships. Billy and Lauren were downright despicable.

"Josie, your father is considering pulling the financial rug out from under Billy's business. What do you think?"

Josefina shook her head, "We don't need to lift a finger. Billy hasn't got a clue about running a business. Leave him to his own devices, and he'll run his company into the ground all by himself."

Hattie's curiosity was piqued as she stared at Josefina. Hattie had done her own research on Billy. He had been a consistent failure in his ventures until, out of the blue, he hit a streak of success and even found partners to grow his business.

Hattie had always wondered if Billy had stumbled upon some incredible stroke of luck, but recent intel suggested he was on the brink of ruin again.

Meeting Josefina's confident gaze, Hattie was tempted to ask if her beloved Josie was the mastermind behind the Antonio family's strategies.