Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Lena's voice was laced with bitterness as she began, "There was this competition, you see, and I didn't make the cut. Then, I got the boot from the hospital. I went to ask Ellory what the deal was, and saw Josie coming from the direction of Ellory's office. Mom, I didn't tell you because I didn't want to stress you out, and I was worried it might rock the boat with you and Josie."

Josefina nearly burst into applause - Lena was something else. With just a few words, Lena tried to stir the pot, but it wouldn't be that easy.

"What? Really? How come I never heard about this?" Josefina gawked at her, genuinely puzzled. "You rocked that competition, didn't you? Why wouldn't they keep you on? What place did you come in?" Hattie chimed in, "Lena, what was your rank? If you were in the running, you should've stayed. If Ellory dropped the ball, I'll have the firm's legal eagles take a look for you."

Lena was speechless. Why had the spotlight suddenly shifted to her competition results? It was another classic case of shooting herself in the foot, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

Josefina pressed on, "Lena, why aren't you saying anything? Spill the beans if you've been dealt a bad hand. Mom and I are here to back you up."

Lena clenched her jaw in frustration. "Ah, it's no biggie," Lena waved it off, hoping to breeze past the moment.

Josefina, however, wouldn't let it go. "Lena, you really should lay it out. Lucky it's just family here, or someone might get the wrong end of the stick, thinking I've been bad-mouthing you behind your back, causing Ellory to nix your internship at the hospital."

shrinking violet, and here she was, being treated like

Bring on the drama!

wasn't born yesterday. It was

after Josefina returned, Hattie was already very

Lena, "From what you're implying, it sounds like Josie had a hand in tweaking the competition results. I'll touch base with Ellory about it. We go way back, you know."

person's abilities. I'll double down on my efforts from here on out." Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access

Lena hung her head, Hattie was already dialing Ellory's number. Lena was tempted to snatch away the phone, but she didn't

heard Lena's internship is up

to learn. That said, I'd suggest you have a heart-to-heart with her about not biting off more than she

with a smile, "Ellory, I appreciate the heads-up.

the FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the

Chapter 309