Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess novel Chapter 69

Ruby fidgeted in Billy’s office, feeling the weight of his hopeful gaze boring into her.

"Ruby, I know you have a knack for fashion design. With our sales soaring, you should really whip up some new designs."

Designing clothes was no easy task, and Ruby knew she was in over her head. She bit her lip and looked up with a forced smile. "Dad, I've just been in a bit of a funk lately. It's throwing off my creative groove. Give me some time to bounce back, and I'll get those sketches to you."

Billy whipped out his smartphone and transferred $15,000 to her. "Go treat yourself to some comfort food, maybe a new outfit. Ruby, the company's riding on your talents. And mark my words, I'll carve out a share for you in the business. If your brother can't cut it, you'll take the reins."

Ruby completely fell for those words.

She feared that Josefina might come at her for plagiarism. She had two more of Josefina’s sketches, but she was afraid of revealing them. Now, it seemed she had no choice.

"Dad, I'll get to drawing as soon as I get home and show you what I've got," Ruby promised sweetly.

Billy beamed. "That’s my girl. I'm looking forward to it."

As soon as Ruby left Billy’s office, she snapped a selfie and posted it to her Instagram story, which was only visible to her old high school friends. [Checking out Dad's company. He's talking about handing over the reins to me someday.]

Ruby was content and left with a spring in her step.

...

Back at her company, Josefina found the office deserted, save for Alex, a male colleague earnestly engrossed in his designs. She approached him and peered at his work. "A diagonal shoulder would give the dress more oomph than a straight-across neckline."