Chapter 453

When it came to Annika, Lena was a bundle of curiosity and doubt.

Sure, Annika and Josefina seemed tight, but was Annika really in the Harrison family just to look after Josefina?

Fia chimed in, "Miss Josefina, I've been keeping tabs on Annika every day, and there's nothing fishy about her. She's a whiz in the kitchen, and she gets along great with the staff. Especially with Ryan, the butler. If you didn't know better, you'd think she was trying to be his sweetheart!"

Lena's heart skipped a beat. Could Annika be here to win over Ryan and tighten her grip on the Harrison household?

Without missing a beat, Lena said, "Fia, keep an eye on Annika. I'll talk to my folks. If she's got some hidden agenda, she's out of here! And if Ryan's in on it, he's gone too, and you can take over as butler."

Fia's face lit up. "Thank you, Miss Josefina. I won't let you down!"

After giving a few more instructions, Lena sent Fia on her way.

Back in her room, Josefina didn't have to wait long before Annika came in with a salad and a whole-grain sandwich.

"Ms. Josefina, I didn't make anything too carb-heavy. This is a whole-grain toast I learned to make with the chef today. Give it a try."

"Annika, why are you bringing me a midnight snack again? I've already put on a few pounds recently. I really shouldn't."

"Ms. Josefina, you're not even a little bit overweight. Just have a bit. Everything I made is whole grain; it won't add to your waistline. Plus, you have your morning jog, and you're always so busy. You haven't had the chance to truly enjoy this beautiful estate. You should really get out more."

Josefina sensed something was bothering Annika and asked directly, "Annika, what's wrong?"

Annika huffed, "It's Lena. She's always out showing off. She keeps saying she's Miss Josefina of the Harrison family, talks about caring for the staff, and even promises to fight for their raises. Ms. Josefina, you're the real Harrison family heiress, and Lena's antics are driving me crazy!"

"Annika, it's just Lena being Lena. Why let it get to you?" Josefina said calmly. "It's not worth getting upset over."

"Ms. Josefina, it really bugs me. By acting this way, Lena's trying to win everyone over and push you aside."

"Annika, none of this matters. No matter what Lena says or does, it doesn't change the fact that I'm the true Harrison heiress. You know I don't care about titles. Lena must be feeling insecure, which is why she's acting out."

"You do have a point, Ms. Josefina. But still, Lena's behavior is infuriating!"

"Don't let it bother you. My parents and brother adore me, and that's all that truly matters. Lena has been with the Harrisons for eighteen years; you can't just sever deep bonds overnight. So, don't get worked up over it."

Josefina's words seemed to calm Annika, and a smile spread across her face.

"Ms. Josefina, you always see things so clearly. I need to learn from you to stay happy. Here I am, getting older, and I'm not nearly as wise as you."

"Annika, you're just too worried about me. Love clouds judgment," Josefina said with a laugh.

Looking at Josefina with eyes full of affection, Annika's fondness grew. She had lived a solitary life, without children, and Josefina had become her rock and her pillar of support.