Chapter 433

Josie grabbed a sheet of paper and a pen, sketching for two solid hours, completely lost in her work until the clock struck midnight.

Her phone buzzed again, breaking the silence, and Luke's voice came through.

"Boss, we've got a problem. Some nosy jerk is sniffing around, trying to figure out who you really are. They're asking everyone they can about S.H."

A cold smile curled on Josie's lips, her face like a winter chill, with a flash of deadly intent in her eyes.

"It must be that guy from tonight who wanted the poison. I told him no, and now he's out for revenge. Let him dig. If he finds anything, I'll eat my hat!"

Whenever Josie went out, she'd wear a realistic mask, ensuring no one could ever recognize the true S.H.

"Let those busybodies try," she thought, unfazed. "Ignore them. They won't find a thing on me, but we'll trace their tracks right back to them."

Luke quickly caught onto Josie's clever plan.

"Don't worry, boss. I've got this. Those guys will come snooping and leave with nothing. We'll make sure they can't come back."

Satisfied, Josie hung up and sent the design blueprint she had been working on to Orla, Anya's current point person.

Orla replied with a video message, bringing Josie up to speed on a new issue.

"Josie, Erica's come crawling back, asking for another chance. It's a joke, really. She betrays us, joins our rivals, and now wants back in!"

Orla spat out Erica's name like it left a bad taste in her mouth, her voice filled with anger.

Josie asked calmly, "Have you dealt with her yet?"

Orla clarified, "I haven't. She's out of our hair, no longer our concern. She's not worth the effort."

"Then tell her straight. If she keeps spreading lies about the company, we'll bring in the lawyers to protect our interests," Josie said firmly.

"Exactly!" Orla agreed. "If I hear one more word against us, our lawyers will be on her doorstep. She betrayed us first; she can't expect us to welcome her back. Doesn't she know the saying, 'Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me'?"

Josie's tone softened, a gentle whisper escaping her lips, "I'll drop by the office tomorrow."

"Great, we've been waiting for you. The ledgers are ready, and the new quarterly plan is set. We just need your approval."

"You're more than capable, Orla," Josie chuckled.

"Let's keep things in perspective. Anya is your baby; I'm just your right hand. The company's future depends on your vision," Orla replied, ever mindful of her place.

No matter Josie's reassurances, Orla would always follow her lead.

"I'll check things out tomorrow. You've been holding down the fort," Josie acknowledged.

"It's nothing, really. You've been through thick and thin for this company. Anya's success is all thanks to your dedication," Orla said sincerely, her words reflecting her gratitude.

She owed Josie a lot - for giving her a new lease on life.

"You've been a rock for me too. When I'm away, you keep everything steady."