Chapter 1168

Josefina was caught off guard when she saw Alex again.

"Alex, you haven't picked up any bad habits, have you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Alex quickly shook his head. "Ms. Josefina, don't tease me like that. I swear, I haven't touched any of that stuff. It's just that I've been struggling to sleep. I'm not eating well, and I look like a mess."

Josefina had never seen Alex in such a state, as if all the life had been drained out of him.

"Come to my office," she said.

Alex followed Josefina, clutching his design drafts tightly, looking like he'd just been through the wringer.

Once they were inside her office, Josefina gestured for quiet and did a quick sweep of the room, checking for any hidden recording devices.

Satisfied, she sat down. "What's causing your insomnia? Is it the stress? Or maybe because you're dating Deanna? Is she putting pressure on you?"

Alex met Josefina's curious gaze, feeling like she was digging into his personal business. He scratched his head, embarrassed.

"Ms. Josefina, I really don't know what's up."

"Let me check your pulse," she said, reaching out her hand.

Eager to comply, Alex stretched out his arm, hoping not to interrupt her concentration.

His tired, bloodshot eyes watched Josefina nervously, as if he feared she'd tell him something was seriously wrong.

After a moment, Josefina removed her hand, looking puzzled. "Have you been anywhere unusual lately?"

Alex thought for a second. "I've been swamped with work, but I did go on a day trip with Deanna to the amusement park and to a nearby town."

Josefina's expression turned a bit awkward, prompting Alex to quickly reassure her.

"Ms. Josefina, there's nothing to worry about. Deanna and I are just friends. We've only held hands, that's all."

Josefina let out a small sigh, surprised by his openness. "Were those places crowded?"

"Not really, it was a weekday, so it wasn't too busy."

Josefina reached into her bag and pulled out a small bottle of pills, shaking one onto a piece Take

e this let's see if of et

Alex trusted Josefina completely, so he didn't hesitate. He took the pill with some water.

Josefina chuckled, "You're not worried I might be pulling a fast one on you?"

"Ms. Josefina, you saved my life and

gave

e this job. If you wanted to

do so thing to me, you would

have done it ages ago!" Alexjoked.

Josefina smiled warmly. "Right now, try to delegate some tasks. You need to rest and recharge."

Alex wasn't sure what to make of her advice. Was she hinting he should step back? Or was there something else?

He stood there, a bit bewildered, until Josefina reassured him. "I just think you need some downtime, Alex. Don't overthink it."

She gave him a few more instructions before sending him on his way.

Back in his office, Alex was lost in thought when Deanna walked in, carrying a thermos.

"Alex, I made you some soup. You need to take care of yourself. You look terrible. Another sleepless night?"

Alex looked at the soup as Deanna

poured it out

poured it out for him, but he shook his head. "I'm not hungry.right now.

Let's leave it for fater".

belongs to swhovels

Deanna sat beside him, concern etched on her face. "What did Ms. Josefina say to you earlier?"