Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josefina rolled her eyes. "Cut it out, guys."

With a playful kick, Josefina nudged him. "What are you even saying?"

Percy elbowed him lightly. "Did your tongue slip or something? Are you dreaming of having daughters? With your luck, you're destined for a house full of boys."

Luke scowled, and his mood soured. "I like girls, and I don't want sons. Percy, quit jinxing me!"

"

Josefina saw the banter escalating and swiftly played the peacemaker. "Enough already, Luke. How's that investigation I asked you about coming along?" she inquired. Luke shook his head. "I checked the stables and came up with zilch. No clues."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "How's that possible? Josie sent you that tip-off at the crack of dawn."

Luke replied, "I was pretty thorough. The horses were all fine. No sign of any shady characters either. It's got me stumped. If Lena's behind this, her accomplice must be top-notch."

Josefina was taken aback. Lena not being the biological daughter of the Harrison family was a secret, unless - could Lena have known all along? "Dig up everything on Lena, from birth to now," she instructed firmly.

Luke nodded. "On it. I'll get right on that." With that, Luke exited the lab to take matters into his own hands.

After a solid three-hour stint in the lab with Percy, Josefina looked at the clock. It was five in the afternoon. Shedding her lab coat, Josefina accepted a glass of water from Percy. "Thanks," she said, gulping it down. Percy hesitated, then spoke up, "Josie, you're going to Luke's for dinner tomorrow, right? Need me to pick you up?" "No need, I'll drive over."

Percy offered, "How about I take you out for dinner tonight?"

She slung her bag over her shoulder, smiling gently. "I've already made plans with Oliver. He did me a favor. It's my treat tonight. Have to take a rain check. You know what?'ll take your out next time, Percy."

Percy grinned, "Sure thing, Josie. At least let me give you a lift to the restaurant."

"Deal."

As they drove, Josefina chatted with Percy with the same ease as always until they reached the restaurant. Stepping out of the car, she thanked him with a smile, "Really, Percy, I appreciate it."

"No problem at all."

Josefina waved goodbye and headed toward the restaurant entrance. Percy watched her go, noticing that before she could enter, Oliver arrived, taking her hand in his.

He turned, his gaze possessive, throwing a challenging look at Percy before leading Josefina inside.

They headed to their usual spot at the restaurant on the top floor, under a particularly stunning starry sky.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"Oliver, shouldn't the CEO be swamped?" she teased. "Why aren't you busy?"

"I am busy," Oliver confessed.

"Busy with what?"

"Busy thinking of you."

Josefina was speechless. Where did Oliver pick up these lines?

As they locked eyes, a spark seemed to flash between them, but Josefina's phone rang, breaking the moment. She checked the caller ID and answered promptly.

"Ms. Josefina, where are you? I'll send a car. Mr. Brandon has collapsed. I gave him the pills you prepared. But you know his condition. Could you come over, please?"

Josefina responded swiftly, "I'm on my way. Oliver's with me; we'll come together."

Without waiting for a response,

Oliver took her hand, and they

hurried away. They made their way

quickly to Brandon's villa. Josefina managed to keep pace with Oliver, who had initially intended to slow down for her.