Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess novel Chapter 31

Brandon and Oliver prepared to head back, while Garrett and Hattie took Josefina and Lena to see the pair off.

Standing at the door with a face full of kindness, Brandon said, “Hey Josie, drop by our place tomorrow if you’re free. The doc’s suggesting I need some more tests to make sure everything’s A-OK with me. You got time tomorrow, Josie?”

When you’ve taken someone’s gifts, it’s hard to say no. Josefina had accepted so many presents from the Baldwin family, so she naturally wouldn’t turn them down.

With her sweetest voice, Josefina said, “I’m free tomorrow, Brandon. I’ll come over in the morning.”

Brandon’s face lit up with joy. “Great, I’ll have someone pick you up then.”

Oliver shot Josefina a look before leaving with Brandon.

...

In the car.

The old man who was all smiles just a moment ago now had a dark cloud over his face as he said to Oliver, “Oliver, lose the ice-cold attitude and flash a smile now and then. It’s clear as day that Josefina’s father isn’t keen on handing his daughter over to someone like you. He thinks you’ll treat her poorly.”

Oliver retorted, “Me, treat her poorly?”

Brandon shot back, “You have no clue what people are saying about you, do you?”

He turned to the driver. “Johns, come on. Give it to me straight, no holding back.”

Johns, trembling, spilled it, “People are saying... they’re saying Mr. Oliver is ruthless and merciless. He takes people down without batting an eye, like it’s as easy as killing a chicken.”

Oliver was speechless. Was his image really that bad?

Brandon reminded him, “You haven’t even dated anyone before. I know you’re not into Lena, so I didn’t push you two together. Josie, though, she’s a good kid. Don’t you dare treat her with the same cold shoulder you gave Lena. She’s had it tough. Josie is sharp as a tack and sweet as pie, couldn’t hurt a fly. You gotta protect her.”