Chapter 1274

When Josefina knocked on Alex's office door and walked in, she immediately noticed something strange-Alex's right cheek was bright red, like she'd just been slapped.

Josefina paused, eyebrows raised. "Alex, did you... force yourself on Deanna?”

The question hung in the air, heavy and awkward. Josefina's mind spun. Was she hearing this right? This was way too wild.

Alex's face turned even redder. She stammered, “Ms. Josefina, you've got it all wrong! Nothing happened, I swear."

"Nothing happened? Then what's up with your face? Didn't Deanna hit you?"

“No, she didn't. I... I hit myself...”

"What?" Josefina just stared at her.

Was Alex under that much stress? Was she... hurting herself? Suddenly, Josefina wondered if Alex needed to see a therapist.

"Why would you slap yourself?"

Alex looked miserable, struggling to find the words. She stood up, poured Josefina a glass of water, just to have something to do.

"Ms. Josefina, have some water."

"I'm not thirsty. I want to know what really happened between you and Deanna."

Alex looked like she wished she could disappear, but under Josefina's relentless questioning, she finally gave a vague version of the story, skipping the details.

She looked so guilty, like a kid who knew she'd messed up.

"Ms. Josefina, I know I shouldn't have started something in the office. It was a mistake. I promise, it won't happen again."

Josefina was quiet for a moment. They were both so young, full of energy and passion-she could understand how these things happened, even if it was a little much.

Still, this was the office. There were lines that shouldn't be crossed.

"You two need to be careful. If people see, they'll think I'm playing favorites, and

that's not good for the company."

"Yes, Ms. Josefina. I understand."

Josefina looked at her. "You said Deanna gave up so much for you-she even shed blood for your sake?"

Alex nodded.

"She must really love you," Josefina said softly.

Alex looked down, guilt written all over her face. "But I've kept so much from her. I don't deserve what she's done for me."

"I get that it's complicated. After the bridal show, I'll transfer you to headquarters.”

Alex's eyes went wide. "Ms. Josefina, you want to send me to headquarters?"

That was Anya's headquarters—where all the big-name designers worked. Alex had never even dreamed of going there.

"Are you sure? I... I'm afraid I'll just embarrass you."

"Alex, your talent isn't in question. If you weren't good enough, I wouldn't recommend you. Just keep this to yourself for now-focus on your

current work. There's stil sometime

before you move, so make sure you wrap things up here."

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"Thank you, Ms. Josefina."

Alex was honestly grateful. Josefina had given her so many chances. Could she

ever really live up to that trust?

Josefina was still in her office when Luke called.

het

"Boss, I checked the security footage from the market near the University of Melbourne but there's no duect angle on the area didn't see anything suspicious."

Luke sent her the footage so she could take a look herself.

She watched the videos, but nothing looked out of the ordinary.

"Boss, I'm digging through the

university forum now, checking out videos students posted from the scene. Maybe there's something there."

Josefina logged into the forum too, scrolling through the posts and videos.

Then, as she clicked on one particular video, something finally caught her eye.