Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

On a brisk Monday morning, Josefina strode into the office, her presence instantly commanding attention.

No sooner had she arrived than Alex rushed over, urgency written all over his face, falling into step beside her. "Josefina?"

Josefina noticed the unease in Alex's expression, but didn't press for details. Instead, she asked, "Is the design I asked you to work on done? Come to my office."

Her voice resonated with authority, a palpable force that silenced any would-be objections.

Once in her office, Alex finally blurted out, "Ms. Josefina, you arrived just in time. There's been a mishap. Noel went rogue and switched out the supplier you had locked down. I was about to call you, and then you showed up."

Josefina let out a derisive laugh. "He's got guts, I'll give him that!"

She whipped out her smartphone and shot off a message to the team, calling for a meeting in five minutes. After setting that in motion, she turned back to Alex. "Don't go anywhere. You'll join me in the meeting."

Alex's eyes widened, and then he got it. "Ms. Josefina, you think Noel might try to retaliate against me?"

He continued, a smirk playing on his lips. "Don't worry about me. Noel can't touch me here. After hours, it's every man for himself, and he sure as hell isn't my boss. I couldn't care less!" Josefina couldn't help but smile. Alex was indeed a likable fellow.

The conference room filled with a tense silence as Josefina entered, her keen gaze enough to quiet any murmurs.

This included Noel. Puzzled, he wondered if Josefina was flexing her muscles, showing him who was boss. He dismissed Josefina with a glance, not taking her seriously.

Lost in his thoughts, he was caught off guard when Josefina's steely eyes fixed on him. "Mr. Noel, why did you replace the supplier I had chosen without consulting me first?" Was she admonishing him? Making an example out of him?Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Noel offered a congenial smile, the picture of approachability. "Ms. Josefina, I've been in this game for years. I know which suppliers fit the bill and which fabrics are the best. I didn't understand your choice, and frankly, I found that supplier subpar."

"Your opinion doesn't matter to me," Josefina retorted, her voice icy.

Noel felt the sting of her dismissal, anger flaring within him. "Ms. Josefina, you're young and lack experience in these matters. Just because you're in charge doesn't mean you call all the shots," he insisted.

Josefina's aura flared, her piercing eyes shining with an intimidating brilliance. "Oh? Are you dissatisfied with the fact that I'm in this position?"

"I didn't say that," Noel replied with a sugary smile.

"Well then, I'd love to see who thinks they can take my place," Josefina said with a chilling smile. The icy beauty before them was all the more alluring for her unyielding stance.

Noel tried a different tack. "Ms. Josefina, to win, you must consider the opinions of those beneath you. It's the diversity of thought that will take this company to greater heights."

Josefina laughed lightly. "What opinions? The ones that come with kickbacks?"

"Ms. Josefina, what are you implying?" Noel's temper flared.

Her gaze lingered on him, unsettling him deeply. "Take it at face value," Josefina said calmly. "If there's nothing else, this meeting is adjourned. My decisions are not open to revision for personal gain." With that, Josefina rose and left the room, her detachment chilling.

Those who had been through the

Jaxon affair @pted to remain neutral, well aware that aligning with

Josefina meant safety from

harassment and oppression. After all, true talent would always shine through. They worked to be that télent, knowing Josefina would not mistreat them.

As some departed, a few stayed. Those loyal to Noel murmured among themselves, "Noel, patience is key. Don't compromise the larger plan for a moment of frustration."