Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

"Tori, where's Josie? Where did she go?" Hattie's first concern was Josefina.

Lena couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. It would serve Josefina right if she were injured too. Though Lena knew it was unlikely, the mere thought brought a smile to her face. Tori responded, "Ms. Josefina is fine. She's a top-notch doctor. The local surgeons couldn't operate on the injured, so they called her in to assist with the surgery."

Hattie breathed a sigh of relief and then dialed Garrett on her phone. "Garrett, honey, our girl is safe. She's got mad skills in medicine, so they asked her to operate on a patient."

Lena was furious. Did she detect a hint of boasting in Hattie's tone? Was this really something to brag about? It was just a surgery, why make a fuss over it?

Tori caught the edge in Lena's mood, and his eyes filled with disdain.

What a pretender to the throne, with a heart full of malice!

Tori's dislike for Lena grew by the second. He wished he could just toss her out, so she wouldn't spoil Ms. Josefina's peace of mind.

Tori added, "Ma'am, Ms. Josefina is exceptionally capable and has flawless surgical skills. The operation is complex, but she can handle it with ease. If you have other matters to attend to, please feel free to go. I'll stay here." He truly didn't want to witness Lena's insidious behavior any longer.

Hattie settled into a chair. "No need, I'll wait here for Josie." Hattie wouldn't be able to relax until she saw that Josie was alright.

Lena also took a seat. "Mom, I'll stay here with you and wait for my sister."

Tori ceased talking and sat down on a separate chair. The surgery lasted three grueling hours. Only after the overhead lights were turned off was Luke finally wheeled out.

Josefina removed her mask, looking utterly exhausted.

Hattie, holding a thermos, spoke with concern, "Josie, I've brought you some soup. Take a break and have some."

Josefina looked at her in surprise. "Mom, what are you doing here?"

"You left in such a hurry this morning, and when I called, Tori answered. When I found out you were at the hospital, I came to see you."

A warmth spread through Josefina's heart, and she smiled. "I'm fine, don't worry about me. I'm just going to change out of these clothes."

Hattie nodded and followed her out.

After changing, Josefina sat in Dr. Percy's office, sipping the ginseng soup. Lena sat nearby, her eyes scanning the office. How did Josefina know this male doctor? Josefina's network seemed quite extensive. After looking around, Lena's gaze inadvertently met Josefina's. Startled, Lena quickly flashed a smile and said, "Josie, you don't even work here, yet you know this doctor? You're quite well-connected, aren't you?"

Josefina detected the insinuation in Lena's words, a veiled slight?

"Yes, I do have a wide network," Josefina replied smoothly.

Lena was taken aback, not expecting such a quick response.

Hattie chimed in, "Josie's a healer. Of course she knows many doctors."

Hattie's proud tone brought a knowing smile to Josefina's face.

"Lena, you've studied medicine for quite some time. You must know a fair number of male doctors at the hospital," Josefina retorted.

Lena was caught off guard again, her eyes filled with a silent grievance. In front of Hattie, Lena dared not argue, for fear of displeasing her.

"Josie, I don't know many male doctors. I've been diligently studying at school and interning at the hospital. But ever since your last visit, I lost the opportunity to continue my internship." Lena's voice wavered, and she choked up.

Hattie was confused. "Lena, why haven't you mentioned this to me before?"