Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 2

That was a marriage the old man set up for her daughter! Scoring a connection with the Baldwins was a stroke of luck the Antonio family couldn't even dream of in a hundred years. There was no way they were letting Josefina snag that deal. That good fortune was reserved for Ruby!

Lauren, gripping Josefina's arm, said icily, "You wanna leave? Fine, but first, scribble down a letter, cutting ties with us. Declare that you've got nothing to do with the Antonio clan and that the marriage arrangement set up by your grandfather is for Ruby and has zip to do with you."

Ruby, in a gentle voice, pleaded, "Josefina, Mom and Dad have raised you for eighteen years. Why are you making them upset, hmm? If you've got to vent, take it out on me, but please don't upset Mom, okay? She's not in good health, and I'm really worried about her." Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Lauren watched Ruby with affection, appreciating her more and more with each glance. "Ruby, you always know how to care for me, unlike some thankless girl we've fed!"

Lauren went on, "Billy, don't waste your breath on her! Ever since Ruby came back these past two weeks, our business has been booming. Didn't you just land a couple of big partnerships the other day? That's all thanks to the good vibes Ruby's been bringing!"

Josefina couldn't help but let out a snort. Were those two big deals really thanks to Ruby's good fortune? She whipped out her phone and sent a message.

Ruby bashfully said, "Mom, all this is thanks to you and Dad's efforts. You both have sharp eyes and made smart investments."

Lauren beamed, "Ruby, no need to be modest. You're our lucky star."

After a moment's thought, Billy said, "Josie, we've been decent to you. The wedding was never yours to start with. Ruby is our flesh and blood, and she's the one the Baldwin family is expecting."

Josefina's eyes were filled with mockery as she looked at Billy and said deliberately, "Are you sure those two partnerships came from Ruby?"

Lauren roared in frustration, "If not her, then who? You?"

Just then, Billy's phone rang. It was his secretary. "Mr. Antonio, there's trouble! Those two bosses are pulling out. They don't want to work with our company anymore!"

Billy panicked, "What! What happened?"

"Mr. Antonio, I'm not sure what's going on. They called out of the blue, saying your family's jinx just got back in the last two weeks, and working with you will bring bad luck. We were supposed to sign the contracts this afternoon, and now it's all gone up in smoke!"

The secretary's voice was loud and anxious, and everyone heard what he said.

Two weeks? Jinx? Who else could it be but Ruby?

One minute, she was a lucky star. The next, a curse?

Billy slapped his thigh in anger. "Those two deals could have made us a billion! A whole billion, just like that, down the drain!"

Billy looked at Ruby with complex emotions, and Lauren's heart sank too—after all, she cared more about that billion.

Ruby couldn't smile anymore. She was so proud just moments ago, but now, her face was flushed with embarrassment.

Josefina, arms folded, watched the spectacle like it was the best show in town, clearly amused by Ruby's fall from grace. "Mr. and Mrs. Antonio, let's just wait and see who the real lucky star of your

family is." Josefina turned on her heel with a cold arrogance and strutted out.

Billy's phone rang again.

"Mr. Antonio, there's more bad news! Our contract with Y Company doesn't expire until next month, but they'd rather pay the penalty and end the partnership now!"

Hearing this, Lauren completely lost it. She fumed, "I'm going to find Josefina right now and ask that little tramp exactly what she's done!"

But as she reached the front door, the sight before her stopped her in her tracks.