Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

"Looks like there's more to it than meets the eye. Let's just watch and wait before we jump to conclusions."

"Even the host didn't grab the mic back. Could she be in cahoots with Ruby?"

Layla, with her clear and articulate voice, responded, "Folks, I don't know any Ruby. I've been a host for years, and I value my reputation. Why on earth would I ruin my career for someone I don't even know?" Someone in the crowd challenged her, "Then why didn't you take the microphone back?"

Layla retorted, "Would snatching it back change anything? If she's got something to say, let her speak. It's better to clear the air so no one suspects there's anything shady about the competition." The crowd nodded, suddenly understanding her point - and curious to see what kind of spectacle Ruby would create.

Alex stepped up, visibly upset, "What makes you think I bought those designs? Where's your proof?"

Alex was known for his meticulous work, especially when it came to competition. He had discarded any designs he'd touched or seen from Holly. He didn't use any of it.

Even in the company's design sketches, there were some that he wouldn't use. Some were sketches of Anya's work, where he found inspiration. His own designs were the result of long nights and endless dedication. The idea of him buying designs was preposterous.

Indignant, Alex demanded, "Without evidence, your accusations are slander."

Ruby retorted angrily, "My investigation shows that you've been unremarkable at the company, hardly bringing in any profits. How could you suddenly rise to excellence as if by divine intervention?" Pointing at Holly, Ruby pressed, "You arrived with Alex. Tell us, what's the real story? How has Alex been performing at the company? Has he ever designed and sold anything on his own before now?" Holly, being singled out, wanted to scratch Ruby's face off. Holly regretted it all. Why had she ever agreed to work with these fools?

Fuming with rage, Holly blurted out, "My desk isn't close to Alex's. I don't know. But Alex is a hard worker. Under Ms. Josefina's guidance, he's made significant progress."

The mention of Josefina complicated matters further.

Ruby scoffed, "Her? She can't design her way out of a paper bag, let alone mentor someone. It's laughable."

Ruby's mockery of Josefina set Alex ablaze with fury, and he defended her honor, "What nonsense are you spouting! Ms. Josefina's design skills are a million times better than yours. You couldn't hold a candle to her in your next life."

Everyone's eyes turned to Josefina. Could such a pretty and young girl be a mentor in design?

Lauren stood up to speak, "She's my foster daughter. I know what she's capable of better than anyone."

Billy chimed in with disbelief, "Josie, since when can you design clothes? That's news to me."

Lauren's statement sowed seeds of doubt among the crowd.

Josefina, unfazed by the attention, calmly asked, "You know better than anyone? Then tell me, what's my favorite food? Which class was I in during high school? What score did I get on my last mock exam? What's my shoe size? Do you know any of that?"

Lauren was at a loss for words, unable to answer a single question.

Alex sneered, "You call yourself her foster mother, but you don't even know her shoe size. What kind of parent are you?"

Lauren, red with anger, shot back, "Even if I don't know those things, that doesn't mean she can design clothes. You say she's mentoring others; who does she think she is, Anya herself?"

Josefina smiled serenely, "What if I told you that I am Anya?"