Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

As Oliver's figure vanished into the night, Rowan let out a roar of fury.

Sydney stepped forward to check on Rowan's wounds but was irritably brushed aside. She plopped down amidst the shards of broken glass with a huff. "Rowan, if you're so tough, why didn't you take a swing at Oliver? Why push me?" she snapped, her patience finally wearing thin.

Already agitated, Rowan's temper flared further at her provocation, and he slapped her across the face. Enraged, Sydney shoved him back, sending him tumbling into the glass-strewn floor, adding to his collection of cuts and bruises.

The next morning, Lena woke up exceptionally early. She wanted to cook breakfast for Garrett and Hattie, hoping to foster a bond.

Emerging from the elevator, she saw Ryan directing the staff as they carefully arranged various items. The servants were handling bags from high-end stores, one luxurious item after another. Lena was at once shocked and delighted. Could these be for her?

If they were for Josefina, she thought, Ryan would have mentioned it. And with the gifts already here, surely Josefina would be coming down soon? But Josefina hadn't appeared. The gifts couldn't be for her, could they?

Lena's expression brightened as she eyed the luxury bags, her mind racing with possibilities.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"Ryan, who are all these presents for?" she asked.

Ryan grinned broadly. "These are gifts from Mr. Brandon for Ms. Josefina. He said he wasn't sure what she'd like, so he just picked up a few things. They were delivered first thing this morning before I'd even fully woken up. He made me promise not to wake Ms. Josefina, to let her sleep in. When she's up, we'll present these to her see if there's anything she fancies for her day out."

Lena's face fell in disbelief. "Gifts from Brandon?" Why on earth would he buy things for Josefina out of the blue? Was he just swimming in cash?

Watching the servants, Ryan

chuckled. "Well, Mr. Brandon is helping Mr. Oliver woo Ms. Josefina You've noticed, haven't you? The Baldwin family really values Ms. Josefina. Look at these gifts, they spared no expense. It's quite enviable."

Lena was silent, her discomfort clear. Did things have to be so over-the-top?

The more Lena dwelled on it, the angrier she became, her complexion turning a sickly pale.

"Why are you up so early, Miss Lena?" Ryan asked.

"I wanted to cook breakfast for mom and dad, Lena replied, looking resigned. "I can't during the school term, but now that it's summer break, I want to make them O

something special."

"You're so thoughtful, Miss Lena," Ryan praised.

Lena shrugged it off. "Well, they're so good to me. Making them breakfast is the least I can do."

Ryan mused, "They do treat you well, but aren't you a bit of a novice in the kitchen? Maybe let the chef handle it."

He remembered once when Lena had attempted to cook green beans with bacon — the beans had been undercooked, and the housekeeper nearly met her end in the bathroom from it. Lena cringed at the memory, offering a sheepish explanation. "Ryan, my cooking skills have improved tremendously. It'll be delicious, I promise. I'll even bring you a plate."

Ryan recoiled in horror. "No need,

Miss Lena. I'll stick to the staff ĕ

meals. Your cooking is too good for me. I've got things to do." He beat a hasty retreat as if Lena's offer was poison.

Lena watched his swift departure, her gaze turning positively venomous.