Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Ruby was in a state of panic, and Erica, too, was taken aback.

Marina and Xavier, standing by the door, had heard enough to piece everything together. Marina was fuming with rage. "Xavier, take a good look at the kind of woman you've brought into your life. She's a thief! She's stealing designs now, but what's next? Stealing men? Your money? Or even your precious influence?"

Influence was something Xavier valued above all else, something he'd never allow anyone to snatch away.

"Mom, let's get out of here." Xavier wanted nothing more to do with Ruby. She had deceived him thoroughly.

Without hesitation, Marina and Xavier left.

Ruby saw this scene and wanted to chase after, but Alex stopped her. "Ruby, don't you think you owe us an explanation?" Alex demanded, his voice laced with indignation.

Teeth clenched, Ruby glared at Josefina. "And how exactly can you prove that you're the creator of this design? For all we know, you could've stolen it from someone else, or bought someone else's work." Josefina walked up to the array of designers' creations, took a pair of scissors, and swiftly transformed a long dress into a chic mini. She snipped away an out-of-place bow with a few deft cuts. Her hands moved with such speed and certainty, as if she knew each garment like the back of her hand.

She quickly altered five dresses, and each one elicited gasps and accolades from the designers.

"The dress, after her touch, is precisely what I was aiming for."

"I didn't expect that I could design such a promising dress."

"Oh please, it's clear she's the one with the magic touch. Can you even find a trace of your original work in there?"

Voices of awe and disbelief swirled around Josefina, not lost on Ruby either.

Billy was completely dumbstruck.

"Josefina, I had no idea you could design clothes! Since when have you had this talent?"Billy exclaimed, both excited and shocked.

Lauren was furious. "How could you deceive us like this? How could you betray us! And now you're trying to frame Ruby. Josefina, you're despicable!"

"Since you are so decent, why did you steal my things?" Josefina shot back sharply, leaving Lauren speechless and fuming.

Ruby had turned into a universal pariah.

A cool, detached voice came from Josefina, "Regarding Ruby's act of stealing my design, I will not hesitate to use legal measures to protect myself!"

Hattie interjected with sympathy,

"Josie, I've already taken care of

legal counsel for you. You shouldn't

have to worry about such &tiae.

Communicating with these

individuals will only disturb your peace."

Garrett chimed in, "Josie, my team of lawyers will guarantee justice is served in this matter!"NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

Many others joined the fray, condemning Ruby for her audacity. It was utterly shameful!

A young designer, mustering courage, asked, "Excuse me, are you the renowned designer Anya?"

The room fell silent.

Josefina's response was crisp, "Yes, I am Anya." If her cover was blown, she might as well own it. Her admission left the Antonio family slack-jawed in astonishment.

Making the connection to Josefina's alter ego, Billy thought of their business dealings. He incredulously asked, "The companies I've collaborated with before, are they all your people? And now they refuse to work with my company. Is that also your doing?"

Josefina's smile was sly. "Oh, Mr. Antonio, it seems you've finally caught on."