Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

As Lena's words fell, three pairs of eyes turned to her in unison. Robert gazed at her, his authoritative visage breaking into a meaningful smile. His stare bore into her, making her fidget with discomfort. Robert's voice, as always, was deep and commanding, "Lena, it's quite late for an unsolicited visit, don't you think?"

His words made even Garrett and Hattie feel that Lena's actions were out of line. Hattie was the first to speak up, "Lena, honey, your grandfather's right. Brandon's condition is under control now, and Josie's there in case anything happens. It's really not ideal for you to rush over there."

Garrett chimed in, "If you want to learn medicine from Josie, there's plenty of time for that, and there's no need to rush."

All three advised her against going, leaving Lena embarrassed and somewhat shamed. Lena fought the urge to justify herself, "Grandpa, Mom, Dad, I didn't think it through. I just wanted to help Josie since she's all alone and must be exhausted. But if you all think it's inappropriate, then I won't go."

Lena's compliant demeanor didn't raise any suspicions from Hattie or Garrett. Robert watched Lena, his thoughts inscrutable.

Feeling his gaze, Lena squirmed, "Grandpa, is Grandma feeling better? The whole poisoning incident-it's my fault. If only I hadn't gone abroad, Grandma wouldn't have suffered like this."

"Ah, Lena," Robert sighed, "you need to be more discerning with people. In the future, you should let your family guide you more. As far as I know, the caregiver you recommended ended up taking her own life not long after the incident."

Lena gasped in shock. "What? She took her own life?" Her astonishment was genuine. Even she had no idea that the caregiver was dead.

Robert couldn't detect any pretense in her reaction and was somewhat puzzled. Could it be that Lena had nothing to do with the incident?

Getting up, Robert remarked, "Old age really doesn't pair well with late nights. Garrett, I'm off to check on your mother. You all should head to bed soon, too."

"Take care, Dad. Rest up," said Garrett.

"I'll visit Mom tomorrow," Hattie added.

With Robert gone, the living room atmosphere lightened considerably.

Robert and Emily lived next door in a two-story villa. The villa boasted an expansive yard with pavilions, a vegetable garden, a fish pond, and pets ambling about-a picture of contentment.

The room Josefina was staying in was right next door to Oliver. A maid brought Josefina a set of pajamas.

"You have women's pajamas here?" she mused. "There's no woman of this age in the house, is there?"

The maid replied with deference,

"Mr. Brandon said his grandson's bride-to-be would be joining the family soon, so he had us buy a variety of clothes for you. They're all in the wardrobe-home wear of every sort, filling up an entire walk-in closet." This material belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Josefina was stunned. Did the Baldwin family always spend money so lavishly?

"Did Brandon tell you this?"

The maid grinned. "Bennett let all the staff know, and word got around. Today, when you arrived, everyone was aware that you're Oliver's fiancée." Josefina was flabbergasted. She and Oliver hadn't even confirmed their relationship, and yet Brandon was so thoroughly prepared?

It was almost too much!

Without further inquiry, Josefina let the maid leave with her delivery. She surveyed the expansive room and its elegant decor and stepped out onto the adjoining balcony. S