Alex was momentarily taken aback before nodding in appreciation. "Thanks, Ms. Josefina."


    "Aren''t you afraid I might do you harm?" Josefina asked with a yful smile.


    Jade responded with a grin, "Ms. Josie, you wouldn''t hurt us."


    With a hint of concern, Alex said, "You''ve just met Ms. Josefina, and you''re already falling for her?"


    It was as though a lightbulb went off in his head, and he shook Jade''s shoulders. "Jade, don''t lose your mind! You''re a girl, and so is Ms. Josefina!"


    Jade rolled her eyes exasperatedly. "Who says a girl can''t like another girl?"


    Alex was left bbergasted, but Josefina justughed. "Why don''t you guys take a stroll around the neighborhood? Give me a call if you run into any trouble. I''ve got to run. I have other matters to attend to." Josefina left them to their own devices to get acquainted with the surroundings. She exited the upscale gatedmunity, and Ruby spotted her as she left.


    Ruby was waiting for Xavier and was stuck at the entrance. She wasn''t allowed inside. Xavier had exined that his family didn''t approve of their rtionship, so they had to keep it a secret.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Seeing Josefina drive off in a high-end car, Ruby couldn''t believe her eyes. "How can she afford such a fancy ride? Did she find another man in this posh neighborhood?"


    Ruby snapped a photo and sent it to Billy. "Dad, look at the car she''s driving. She must have found herself a wealthy boyfriend. If she could help the Antonio family, that would be amazing. You wouldn''t have to work so hard anymore."


    Billy, receiving the message, fell deep into thought. Xavier''s family were loaded, but he hadn''t been able to get a cent from them. Wouldn''t it be great if Josefina could be of help?


    When Billy called Josefina from an employee''s phone, she was waiting at a traffic light.


    "Josie, how''s life treating you? Run into any troubletely? Your mom asked me to tell you that if things aren''t going well out there,e on home. She misses you and wants you toe home for dinner."


    Josefina''s response wasced with sarcasm. "What? Looking to cash in on me again?"


    Billy''s face reddened with embarrassment, but he persisted. "Josie, isn''t it better to have family around?"


    "Family or foes?"


    Billy, about tosh out in anger, was cut off as Josefina ended the call and blocked the number. He felt like he''d punched a pillow. His anger had nowhere to go.


    Josefina drove on, her gaze drifting


    to the rearview mirror, where shez spotted a familiar license te. It had been following her since she''d left, and she had a sharp memory for such details.


    As the traffic light ahead threatened to turn red, Josefina floored the gas pedal, leaving the tailing car behind, its upants fuming with anger.


    Xavier, puzzled, remarked, "She is just an adopted girl. You seem to care a lot."


    Ruby, worried, looked at Xavier.


    "Xavier, I''m really concerned about her. She might be adopted, but my parents raised her. There''s an emotional bond. Seeing her bounce from man to man, living that kind of life it breaks my heart."


    Xavier spoke with a tone of disgust. "Such a dirty person doesn''t deserve your concern. Ruby, you''re too kind-hearted. Don''t get involved in her mess, or you might get dragged down with her." Ruby leaned into Xavier''s shoulder, nodding in agreement. "Xavier, I''ll do as you say."


    Xavier reveled in Ruby''s dependence, and the two of them cuddled in the car, lost in their own world.