Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

From the shock in Josefina's eyes, Hattie could tell that the smartphone was no ordinary gadget. "Josie, do you recognize this phone?"

Josefina nodded, revealing to Hattie, "If I'm not mistaken, this phone's worth a million bucks. It looks run-of-the-mill on the outside, but it's jam-packed with features. You can make and receive video calls anytime, anywhere, even without a signal. It's got tracking, stealthy photo and video functions, and can't be detected as a phone. Without the owner's fingerprint, no one can unlock this sucker, not even a tech whiz can crack the passcode."

Hattie was floored. A phone like that existed? How come she'd never heard of it? Hold on, how did Josie know all this?

With an unfazed expression, Josefina explained, "I had a mentor who was involved in the phone's development."

Before Hattie could inquire further, Josefina volunteered, "My mentor, the head of House of Adams, took me under his wing through a friend of his, and that's how I got the inside scoop."

Actually, Josefina knew more than she let on, having even taken part in the phone's research and development, but she didn't share that with Hattie.

"Mom, if you fancy a phone like this, I'll bring three back tomorrow-one for you, one for dad, and one for grandpa."

Josefina had forgotten about this, and if it weren't for Lena, she might never have remembered.

Hattie was touched beyond words. Lena, the daughter she'd raised for eighteen years, had kept such a secret and hadn't thought to give them phones.

Wasn't the money the Harrison family gave her enough? Who was Lena contacting with that phone?

"Josie, I'll make a transfer to you later. You bring us the phones, and I'll foot the bill. You're my precious girl, and you deserve a share of everything I earn."

Josefina shook her head with a smile, "No need, Mom, I've got money too. You've given me so many gifts, these three phones are nothing compared to your generosity."

"Josie, even without gifts, I'm thrilled. Just knowing you think of me warms my heart."

Gifts were one thing, but the thought behind them was another.

Josefina spoke with a warm, endearing smile, "You've got to give me a chance to give back, otherwise I'd feel pretty useless."

The more Hattie looked at her daughter, the more she adored her. "Alright, darling, we'll do it your way. Now, get some sleep, sweetie. I'm heading out." Hattie was very excited. She couldn't wait to go back and tell Garrett about this.

Josefina escorted Hattie out. Upon returning to the room, Hattie informed Garrett about the incident while he was busy with paperwork.

Removing his rimless glasses and furrowing his brow with an air of authority, Garrett remarked, "Since she turned seven, Lena's never given us anything of real value."

"It's not just about the gifts. She's been hiding that phone from us. I'm worried she might get scammed. Garrett, have someone tail Lena, see if she's got herself mixed up with con artists."

Garrett, however, wasn't so sure, "Lena's always in and out of the house. She's had plenty of chances to tell us if she were in danger. She could've written us a note if she was worried about being bugged. Perhaps I've underestimated her." Only now did Garrett realize he might not have truly understood Lena.

A chill ran down Hattie's spine, "You don't think Lena's out to harm us, do you?"

Memories of the past few years flashed through Garrett's mind, "I've had my share of assassination attempts over the years, and so has Dorian. We'd be long gone if not for sheer luck. We better start digging from scratch."