Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Holly slumped into her chair, her grip on her smartphone tight as her eyes glued themselves to the screen. With a swift movement, Holly's thumbs danced over the keyboard as she fired off a reply without a moment's hesitation.

[Collaborate, my foot! You've got zero skills and have the nerve to drag me into this mess? You almost got me into trouble. Were you born without a brain? Don't even know your own worth? Stay the heck away from me!]

Message sent, she promptly blocked the number, her resolve firm. Holly turned her attention to her laptop, determined to bury herself in her work.

Shay lounged at home, scrolling through the latest news on her phone. She received a message that said, Oliver's crush, that Josefina, was actually the big designer Anya.

She couldn't wait to spill the beans to Sydney. Upon hearing the news, Sydney couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter. "I've said it before, Oliver's always had an angle. His interest in Josefina? It's all about her status. At the end of the day, he's not in it for love."

Sydney sat, her impeccable makeup unable to mask the weariness in her eyes.

"Mom, you should talk to Dad, get him to smooth things over with Oliver. He's locked up because of Oliver's orders. Times have changed. If he wants the old days back, he needs to learn to communicate with Oliver."

Only if Rowan were released could he intervene in the family's affairs again.

Sydney's frustration was palpable. "I've told your father time and again, he just won't listen to me. But it's not all on him. Oliver is to blame. The way he talks to your dad, it's like they're enemies. Rowan and his ex-wife lost their spark ages ago. It was that woman always bothering Rowan. If that old hag had let go sooner, Oliver wouldn't have ended up so bitter from the whole ordeal."

Shay frowned, wordless, as Sydney rambled on about the past. Unable to bear it anymore, Shay stood up. "I'm going to see Josefina, maybe she can persuade Dad and Oliver." Shay picked up a designer handbag worth half a million on her way to Josefina's office.

Upon learning that Shay had arrived, Josefina was somewhat surprised but politely invited her in.

Shay stepped in, the picture of

innocence in a crisp white dress, her hair wound up in a neat bun. With an outstretched hand, Shay greeted with a friendly smile, "Hi Josie, I'm Shay."

Josefina shook her hand briefly, her grasp firm but quick. Even through that fleeting touch, Shay could feel the calluses on Josefina's palm, a clear sign of someone who trained regularly in martial arts.

Shay lifted her gaze, absorbing Josefina's striking beauty. Josefina's skin was radiant, her eyes sparkling pools of depth. In her silence, she was the epitome of cool elegance.

"What brings you to seek me out, Miss Shay?" Josefina inquired.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Shay's eyes ceased their

assessment, and she offered a warm smile. "I'm here about the strained relationship with Oliver and our family. Josie, here's the thing, I'd like you to talk some sense into

Oliver. He's confined our parents, and it's torn our family apart. As his girlfriend, could you please talk to him, get him to lift the lockdown?"

Josefina leaned back, a picture of relaxed defiance. Her lips, lush and red, curled into a puzzled smile. "What do you mean? You want me to go to Oliver and ask him to forgive you?"

Shay was taken aback. "Forgive" seemed such a strong word. "It's not about forgiveness, just easing the tension. We're family after all."