Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess novel Chapter 282

Josefina managed a wry smile. "Maybe she felt sidelined when I came back. All the attention shifted to me, and she felt left out."

Hattie sighed, shaking her head in resignation. "I've been nothing but kind to Lena. But after what happened today, I am a bit peeved. Regina is her closest ally. I bet Lena had a hand in this."

Josefina's surprise was evident, as she hadn't expected Hattie to be so perceptive or to doubt Lena.

Catching her daughter's astonished look, Hattie laughed. "Josie, you didn't honestly think your mom was some sort of naive sweetheart, did you?"

Embarrassed, Josefina chuckled, and Hattie continued, "I raised Lena as my own. How could I not know her temperament? Your father and I always felt she didn't quite fit the Harrison mold, but we never imagined that she wasn't my flesh and blood."

As they sat together on the garden bench, Hattie admired her charming and beautiful daughter, feeling a mix of affection and distress.

Lena's actions had chilled Hattie’s heart. Josie was her biological child, who hadn't had the easiest of lives, and as her mother, Hattie wished she could give Josie the world.

"I'll have a talk with Lena later," Hattie said, sensing something was amiss.

In a gentle tone, she inquired, "Josie, how did you figure out Lena isn't fond of Oliver? Before you returned, she paraded her infatuation with him in front of us, as if Oliver was the only man she'd marry. I even mentioned it to your grandfather, who spoke with Mr. Brandon about a possible match. But Mr. Brandon couldn't speak for Oliver, and your father and I sensed Oliver's disinterest. Coupled with some rumors about him, we advised Lena to give up on that pursuit."

Now, as Josefina's bond with Oliver grew stronger, Hattie couldn't help but worry her precious daughter might get hurt. Oliver, however, never defended himself. He proved his affection for Josie through his actions, time and time again.