Chapter 621

Josefina stepped out just in time to catch Hattie singing Annika's praises to Mandy, "Mandy, Annika's a gem. She cooks like a dream and is always on the ball. Good help like her is hard to find."

Mandy flared up, "Auntie, why do you always have to go against me? You weren't like this before."

"Mandy, sweetheart, I'm just being honest. Look at you getting all riled up. Why are you so against me all of a sudden?"

Mandy, fuming, stomped her foot and stormed off.

Josefina walked over to find Hattie slumped on the couch, sighing deeply.

"Mom, maybe I should move out for a while. If Grandma doesn't see me around, maybe things will cool off," Josefina suggested.

Hattie immediately shot the idea down. "Josie, you can't move out. After all the effort it took to get you back, I can't let you go."

Reflecting on Alivia's words, she continued, "Josie, it's been tough on you. Grandma's been bedridden until Lena helped her sit up again, and that's why she's so fond of her. I know Grandma can be harsh. Josie, I'm sorry."

"Mom, don't say that. You and Dad have been wonderful. What happened today was out of our hands. I'm busy with military training during the day and hardly home, so I won't be running into Grandma much."

Josefina had a point, considering her schedule barely overlapped with Alivia's.

"Mom, don't worry, it's not a big deal. Maybe Grandma will come around once she realizes Lena isn't coming back."

Hattie felt a bit relieved after Josefina's comforting words.

...

Upstairs, Josefina messaged Luke, asking him to dig into Lena's connection with the Lopez family.

Once done with her tasks, Josefina received a call from Luke.

"Boss, I've got the scoop. Lena was really close with the Lopez family, especially Alivia. Alivia was

bedridden until Lena came alongnet

helping her sit up and even get

around in a wheelchair. That's made the Lopez family adore Lera even more. Lena was humble but resilient. Once, when Alivia coughed

without a trash bin in sight, Lena

caught the phlegm in her own hand."

Lena's dedication was evident, though it did raise eyebrows considering her status.

Knowing the bond between Lena

and Alivia, Josefina pondered, "Why are they reaching out to Lena now? I've never heard the family mention the Lopez folks before. Luke, keep digging see if someone's intentionally brought the Lopez family into the picture."

Why now, of all times?

Luke chuckled, "Boss, don't sweat it Whoever's behind this can only skulk in the shadows. Plus Lena's gone lif she were alive, it be a whole different ball game."

Josefina paused, Luke's words sparking a thought - could Lena still be alive?

It seemed impossible, having seen Lena's body herself.

"Luke, stay safe," she said, more aware than ever of the dangers lurking.

Luke reassured her with a laugh, "Boss, no worries. I can take care of myself. Last time was just a slip-up."

Josefina hung up, a smile on her face despite the unease.