Lena's heart twisted with discomfort, but she couldn't just bail out and appear antisocial. So, she stayed, fuming silently as Hattie chattered away.
Garrett, too, lauded Josefina's actions. "Josie, knowing that the Harrison family's business will someday be in your hands brings me immense peace of mind."
Josefina smiled and replied, "Thanks for the praise, Mom and Dad, but Annika was the one who spotted the issue. And it's because Regina was squeezing the staff so hard that they were grumbling under their breath and too scared to report her."
Lena probably squashed any attempts to blow the whistle on Regina. Josefina's gaze drifted towards Lena, who, feeling the attention, forced an ungainly smile. "Josie, you're so impressive. I've got to learn from you how to help Mom and Dad out of a tight spot."
Josefina didn't pick up the conversational baton. She didn't buy Lena's ignorance of Regina's embezzlement for a second. With Regina kicked to the curb, Lena must be reeling, right? Clipping Lena's wings was sweet—now let's see what tricks she can pull in the Harrison family.
While Josefina pondered the situation, a cup of water appeared before her. "Have some water." Oliver offered, ever so considerate.
After a sip, Josefina asked, "Why haven't you left yet?"
"I was worried you might be bullied," Oliver murmured softly.
Her heart skipped a beat, but she laughed it off, "Me, bullied? I doubt it."
Lena sat not too far from Oliver, irritation bubbling up as she overheard his words. Who in the world could bully Josefina? If anyone were so capable, Lena would love to know.
Her head hung low, her face clouded with displeasure.
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