Chapter 718

Josefina flashed a mischievous grin. "Mom, don't you ever doubt what I say?"

"Not for a second, honey. You're my daughter, and I trust you completely. Our Josie isn't one to spin tales, I know that much."

The two shared a knowing smile.

"Josie, why don't you come with me to check on the stores? I've got three to visit today, and it's been ages since we had a proper chat, just the two of us."

"Sure, I'd love to come along."

Hattie cherished these moments, especially when Josefina was by her side.

As they approached one of the stores, they could hear a heated argument from inside, and the voices sounded all too familiar. Hattie's mood darkened instantly. Stepping inside, they were greeted by the sight of Mandy, locked in a fierce debate with the manager.

"Why can't I get my beauty treatment? Have you even looked at this card? It says I'm entitled to free treatments for life!" Mandy's voice was sharp with indignation.

The manager, maintaining a polite demeanor, replied, "Miss, we're simply following orders from above. If you have any questions, perhaps you should check with the friend who gave you this card. Ask her what's going on, okay?"

Before Mandy could retort, Hattie's voice cut through the tension. "Mandy, what on earth are you doing here?"

Upon turning and catching sight of Josefina, Mandy glared at her fiercely.

Then, turning back to Hattie, Mandy whined, "Auntie, they won't let me have my beauty treatment here."

"It was me who gave the order. Your card has been deactivated."

Mandy was taken aback, disbelief coloring her tone. "Auntie, why would you do that? When you gave me this card, you said I could come for treatments anytime!" "When I gave you that card, it was because you seemed sensible, polite, and well- mannered. Do you really not understand why I've stopped it now?" Hattie asked coolly.

Mandy's gaze involuntarily shifted towards Josefina, blaming her for this mess.

Hattie continued, "Don't look at my daughter; Josie had nothing to do with this decision. It was all me. Mandy, you can't insult my daughter on on hand and expect to enjoy the perks provide on the

other. The world doesn't work that way."

Grasping the card, Mandy's frustration grew.

"Auntie, you've changed. Ever since you found her, you've treated me differently."

Hattie sighed, "Mandy, do you not feel ashamed saying such things? Josie is my daughter, and you're my niece. Do you really think I'd favor you over my own child?" Humiliated, Mandy shot Josefina a furious look before storming out.

She couldn't fathom it was blood really that thick?

Was everything Josefina did right in their eyes?

Tears streaming down her face, Mandy ran to find Xavier.

Seeing her distressed, Xavier asked with concern, "Mandy, what happened? Who's upset you? Tell me, and I'll make it right."

Sniffling, Mandy replied, "It's all Josefina's fault! Ever since she came back, my aunt canceled my beauty card. She didn't even warn me making me took like a fool at the saton."

"Don't cry, it breaks my heart." Xavier pulled Mandy into a comforting embrace.

"Xavier, you're the only one who's ever been good to me. I don't get why my parents are against us. love you and hoon't care about anything else. Isn't being together all* that matters?"

Hearing the words of the girl in his arms, a sly smile flickered across Xavier's face.