Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Billy's brain had crashed, like a computer freezing up without warning. Echoes of Josefina's words reverberated in his mind, rendering him utterly speechless and stunned for what felt like an eternity. Lauren was the first to snap out of it. She wasn't buying it. "So you say you're Anya and we're just supposed to take your word for it? Who's gonna vouch for you? How are you even going to be of any use to our firm? Without any evidence, who would believe what you say?"

Josefina replied with an unnervingly calm voice, "Erica, it was I who vouched for you to get into the company. Without my help, would you have even set foot in there? Do you recall the message I had sent you?"

Erica's eyes widened in disbelief as Josefina spoke the words, "Where there's a will, there's a way."

Erica was dumbstruck. How on earth did Josefina know that phrase? During her interview, Erica was told that had it not been for Anya herself, she would have been dismissed. And that very phrase had been relayed to her by Anya's messenger.

It was Layla who spoke up next, "I can attest to that. Josefina is Anya, and Anya is Josefina. We go way back, she and I."

Everyone knew Layla's standing in the community. Her confirmation added a seal of authenticity to Josefina's identity as Anya.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

The judges exchanged looks, a silent consensus forming among them. One by one, they eagerly greeted Josefina.

"Ms. Anya. I'm Neil, delighted to meet you."

Ms. Anya, hello. I am..."

They each took their turn, and Josefina, ever the polite one, greeted them back, setting a harmonious tone in the room.

Unbeknownst to Marina and Xavier, who had already left, the scene had shifted dramatically.

After exchanging pleasantries, Josefina's gaze settled on Ruby once more, "Ruby, I told you I'd wield the law to protect myself. The mess you made is yours to deal with." Turning to Hattie, she said, "Mom, let's head home."

Ruby had stirred the pot, and now she had to face the consequences.

Hattie and Garrett escorted Josefina out, with Alex and Holly quickly following suit. Lena trailed behind, her mood souring, a wave of discomfort washing over her. How could Josefina be Anya? It just didn't make sense.

Lena's mood was heavier than if she had been at a funeral, not only witnessing a failed joke but also facing the startling revelation of Josefina's true identity.

After Josefina's departure, the

Antonios also left. Billy felt utterly embarrassed. He wanted to dig deeper, to see if those who had collaborated with him were indeed under Josefina's command

Sitting in his car, he dialed some numbers, only to confirm that Josefina was indeed their boss.

He clutched his phone, and slumped in his seat, enveloped by a gloom so thick it felt tangible.

Lauren clenched her fists, her expression grim. She opened her mouth to speak but found herself at a loss for words.

Ruby observed their reactions, and silently lowered her head, unsure of

what to say next. She was scared, terrified of being cast aside. Hesitantly, she reached out and tugged on Lauren's sleeve.

Lauren turned, locking eyes with the teary Ruby, and instantly her heart softened. "Ruby, don't be scared, it's going to be okay. So what if Josefina's a great designer? She's not my child, and I don't care for her one bit."

Ruby's whimpers broke through, and Lauren felt even more heartbroken.

Billy, agitated, barked, "What are you crying for? I'm not dead yet. So cut it out."