Chapter 1285

Deanna thought she'd been careful. Her fake degree was top-notch-she'd paid a lot to make sure of it.

But somehow, Josefina knew everything.

Deanna clenched her fists, her mind swirling with questions. How did Josefina find out so fast? How did she know all of it?

"Ms. Josefina, I'm sorry," Deanna said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I really did go to Berkeley, but I had to take a leave for health reasons, so I never got my graduation photo. I swear, I didn't mean to hide anything from you."

Josefina arched an eyebrow. "You didn't mean to hide it? Or you tried and just got caught?"

Deanna had no answer.

“Deanna, a diploma isn't everything. But honesty is non-negotiable here. I'm sure you understand that."

Deanna stared at the floor. She couldn't argue.

"This is your mess to clean up. Handle it well, and you can stay. If you can't—then hand in your resignation."

Deanna's head snapped up, shock written all over her face.

She wanted her to fix this herself?

"Ms. Josefina, I... I don't think I can do it," Deanna admitted, feeling cornered.

This was way over her head. How could she possibly fix it?

Trying to steady herself, Deanna said, “Ms. Josefina, this is complicated. I'm worried I'll slow everyone down."

Josefina didn't budge. "You haven't even tried. How do you know you can't do it?”

"Ms. Josefina, I..."

Josefina cut her off. "So, you're choosing to quit?"

Deanna was silent, biting her lip.

Finally, she gave in, voice barely above a whisper. "I'll try, Ms. Josefina. I really will."

"One more thing," Deanna added quietly. "Can you please not tell anyone else about my degree?"

Josefina's

ace was impossible to

read. "That depends on you, not me. If you handle this no one else needs to know."

Deanna understood. It was all on her now.

She had no choice but to take it one day at a time.

Deanna left, Josefina's office with her

vel

Wow, looking as if the

world had collapsed on her shoulders Anyone could see

was not okay.

Her eyes met Alex's for just a second before she looked away and rushed out of the open office.

She found herself alone on the rooftop, feeling small and defeated, like the world was out to get her.

Footsteps echoed behind her, and a worried voice broke the silence.

"Deanna, what happened? What did Ms. Josefina say?"

Deanna turned around. Alex reached out, gently pulling her closer. "Don't do anything stupid, okay?"

Did she really look that desperate?

Deanna buried her face in Alex's shoulder, tears pooling in her eyes.

“Alex, I just can't handle this," she choked out, her voice thick, her eyes pleading and full of pain.

"What did Ms. Josefina say?"

"She wants me to look into the bridal show and give her a full report. If I can't... then

I have to quit."

Alex blinked, confused.

Josefina was always fair and reasonable. This didn't sound like her at all.

Listening to Deanna's sobs, Alex

hesitated. "Deanna, are you surenet

Deanna's sobs, Alex

that's what she meant? Ms. Josefina

isn't like that...

Deanna was stunned.

She thought Alex would believe her-she never expected to be doubted.

A single tear slipped down Deanna's cheek, making her look even more fragile and

lost.