Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Marina was already on the fence about attending this particular competition, and after being badgered by this couple, she was seething. With fury practically steaming off her, Marina glared at Xavier. "Xavier, come with me. That girl is from a no-name family, and not even a looker-I shudder to think what your kids would look like."

Billy and Lauren were livid.

Marina stood up to leave, and said sharply to Xavier, "If you don't come with me, you can forget being my son. Without the Rowland family's clout, let's see how far you get."

Xavier hesitated, glancing at the big screen displaying Ruby's image, then back at Marina who was resolute in her departure. Without a second thought, he followed in Marina's footsteps. He could let go of Ruby, but not the Rowland family's prestige.

Just as Marina and Xavier reached the door, the announcement of the competition's end echoed through the venue. Xavier caught Marina's arm, pleading earnestly, "Mom, let's just wait a bit longer. If Ruby takes the top spot, partnering with her could be good for the business. Don't you want me to outshine Dorian and bring glory to the Rowland family?"

Marina hesitated, her expression cold, "We'll stay put, but the moment she loses, we leave. Xavier, I'm telling you, if you keep seeing a woman like that, you're no son of mine. I've heard that the Harrisons have found their long-lost daughter, and Lena was a mix-up. Once I confirm it, I'll set you up with the real Harrison girl. It could be a huge boost for your future."

Xavier's face lit up at her words.

"Really? The Harrisons had a daughter switch at birth? Lena's adopted?"

"My sources are rock-solid," Marina said. "Hattie is said to dote on her biological daughter, especially after an eighteen-year separation. Blood ties mean she'll cherish her even more. If we move fast and win her over, you won't have to worry about lucrative partnerships."

Fired up by the thought, Xavier could almost feel his future with the Rowland family shining bright. "Alright, let's wait here for the results," Xavier said with a grin.

He had his excuse ready. If Ruby saw he wasn't sitting with the Antonios, he could explain he was pacifying Marina for their shared future. He'd gone to great lengths for Ruby and himself. Xavier was a man with more than a few tricks up his sleeve for his own ends.

The five designers emerged, their expressions a mix of joy, despair, tension, and bleakness.

Layla, the host, gripped the mic, her eyes ablaze with excitement. "The designers have presented their work, and now it's time for the judges to score. Who will take the top spot? We'll know in a moment." Erica felt her heart sink at the scene. Billy and Lauren stood beside her, anxious as a pair of cats on a hot tin roof.

"Erica, it looks like Ruby didn't finish her design. She can't win this, right?" Billy murmured, his own hopes faltering.

Lauren refused to accept this outcome, urgently pressing Erica, "You need to think fast. The Antonio family has given you a fortune. You have to turn this around."

Erica's brow furrowed, her expression dark as storm clouds. "Ruby said she could turn it around."