Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Justin was a 35-year-old man with eyes that sparkled with a sly intelligence and a face that was almost always graced with a smile, earning him the nickname "Smiling Fox." Despite his ever-present grin, Justin was a man of deep strategy and thought.

When Hattie posed a question to him, he replied with a calm smile, "Mrs. Hattie, this lady bears a striking resemblance to you. Though I'm not privy to the nature of your relationship, it's clear as day when you stand together-she's your daughter."

Hattie's face lit up with a smile, hearing someone say that Josefina looked like her was music to her ears. "Justin, you have quite the eye. Indeed, she's my daughter, Josefina."

Josefina gave a subtle nod, "Nice meeting you, Justin."

Josefina turned to Hattie, "Mom, you go ahead with your meeting with Justin. I'll wait for you in the lounge."

"Josie, I'll have my assistant take you around," Hattie responded.

Hattie called over her assistant Hugh and instructed, "Hugh, take my daughter around. If you find a suitable project, let her have a pick. Work on it a bit. I'll join you once I'm done here." Hugh, though taken aback, maintained his composure, "Certainly."

"This way, please, Ms. Josefina," Hugh said, leading her away as Hattie and Justin discussed their collaboration.

Just as Hugh was about to speak, Josefina said, "Hugh, I've got things to handle back at the company, so I'll skip the tour. I'll message my mother shortly to let her know. You go on with your work." Josefina left with a smile, leaving Hugh standing there, dumbfounded. Since when did Mrs. Hattie have another daughter?

And what a stunning daughter she was. So polite and charismatic, quite the opposite of Lena.

Back at the company, Kale walked in to discuss some business news with Josefina. "The competition is set for next Saturday."

Josefina inquired, "I've heard that Billy's company brought in a designer who's made him quite a bit of money?"

"Yes, that designer is shrouded in mystery. No one inside the company has met her. She's said to have a private elevator direct to her office, which is right next to Billy's, off-limits to most." Josefina's interest was piqued, "Sounds like it could be an old acquaintance of mine."

Kale was visibly surprised, "Ms. Josefina, do you know something about this?"

Josefina shook her head, "I don't know for certain, but the secrecy suggests she doesn't want her past or work history dug up. Last month, a designer at Anya was fired for misconduct." Kale had an epiphany, "So, she's holding a grudge and went to Antonio Corporation? Could she also know you've joined this fashion company?"

"Kale, you're sharp. That's right. Someone must have approached her to work against me."

The enemy of my enemy is my friend, after all.

Kale felt this person was courting disaster by opposing Ms. Josefina. "Ms. Josefina, I'll have someone investigate this. There's always a trail."

Josefina shook her head, "I've already asked Luke to look into it. He'll inform me if there's any news."

Kale looked down, feeling somewhat dejected. "Ms. Josefina, you helped me through school, and yet I can do so little to help you. I feel so useless." Without Josefina's support, Kale mused, he would never have been able to afford his education, let alone return to Josefina's side to work for her.