Chapter 817

Shay got her hands on some intel about Jarred. The private investigator she'd hired told her, "Ms. Josefina, Josefina has indeed been to that pharmaceutical company a few times. But she and Jarred have never spent time together alone."

"They're not friends?" Shay asked, skeptical.

"From what I've found, they've never dined together or met up outside those visits," the investigator replied.

His words left Shay doubting herself. Was she just overthinking things? Could it be that Josefina and Jarred didn't know each other at all? But Jarred's change in attitude was just too sudden. One moment he was saying he could heal her leg, and the next, he was backtracking, even refusing to share his phone number.

"Thanks, you can go now," she said, dismissing the investigator.

Once alone, Shay handed the documents over to Sydney for a second opinion. "Mom, take a look at this. Josefina and Jarred don't seem to know each other."

Sydney reviewed Jarred's file and suddenly chuckled, "Shay, you haven't looked closely enough."

Shay was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Sydney set the documents aside and explained, "Jarred is an orphan managing a company. Do you honestly think someone with no backing could get to where he is?"

Shay muttered, "Josefina doesn't seem to have any backing either, yet she's doing just fine."

Visibly irritated, Sydney retorted, "Why bring her up out of nowhere and stress yourself out?"

Shay kept quiet, and Sydney continued, "If Josefina's as capable as she appears, wouldn't it be easy for her to support someone like Jarred?"

She added, "Initially, Jarred was all set to treat your leg, but then he changed his tune as soon as Josefina showed up. If she's not the one pulling the strings behind the scenes, I'll eat my hat!"

Sydney was clearly upset, frustrated that Shay couldn't see through such a straightforward situation despite all the guidance she'd given her over the years.

After some thought, Shay started to

buy into Sydney's theory. "Mom, why don't we just bring Jarred here

make him treat my leg, and maybe

yours too? If he's as talented

as he

claims, he could get us both back on our feet."

Hearing this, Sydney began to think about their options. "We need to think this through; we can't act rashly. Jarred and Josefina probably suspect that we're onto them, and

ет

Jarred will have his own security. A

hasty move would just tip them off."

Usually quick to act, Sydney was now cautious, unsure why she'd become so hesitant. What was going on?

Meanwhile, Josefina had indeed arranged for bodyguards to protect Jarred, suspecting that Shay and Sydney wouldn't let things go easily.

After sorting out Jarred's security, Josefina headed to her classes. She was focused on graduating early and winning an upcoming competition, so her studies were a priority.

After a busy day, Josefina was leaving school when she got a call from Hattie. "Josie, I'm here to pick you up. My car's parked around the corner on the right side of your school. How about we grab dinner together?"

Hearing Hattie's caring voice, Josefina hurried to the car. As the window rolled down, her mother's gentle smile greeted her. "Josie, hop in. I'll take you out for dinner."

Josefina got in and said, "Mom, you didn't have to come all this way just for me. You're busy with the company; it must be tiring."

"Josie, picking you up is no trouble at all. Seeing my darling daughter gives me all the energy I need. I wish I could see you every day."

Josefina thought about her hectic schedule the day before, which had kept her from coming home, causing her family to worry. "I was caught up with a lot yesterday and, didn't make it home. I'm sorry for worrying you, Mom." .net