Chapter 841

Josefina tagged along with her grandparents to check in on Hunter. Poor Hunter had to take breaks often during his walks; age had slowed him down, making it tough for his body to clear out toxins quickly.

"Josie, my dear,” Hunter began, "We're hosting a little shindig at my place tomorrow. It's a chance to share some family news. Darrick's been shown the door, and I don't want him dragging our family's reputation through the mud. You should come by."

Josefina replied, "Hunter, my family hasn't announced my identity to the public yet, so I'm not too keen on mingling. Plus, I've got a school tournament tomorrow. I'm sorry."

Hunter had hoped Josefina would make it to the party, but he wouldn't push her if she wasn't up for it. "Josie, I know you're busy. Maybe next time, then.”

Grandpa Robert added, "We can't make it either. Josie's got her competition, and we'll all be there to cheer her on."

Hunter felt a bit deflated. With the Harrison family out, what was the point of the party? "Well, if your family's tied up, we'll just have to catch up some other time." He realized he'd need to let his family know about the change in plans.

Josefina then asked, "Hunter, do you know how Marina and Darrick crossed paths?"

Hunter explained, "He mentioned they met on a vacation. My digging confirmed that. Once he got back, he wanted to divorce my daughter-in-law Sandy. Neither of us agreed, which kicked up quite a fuss. Eventually, he moved out, and I never expected to end up in this state. If I'd known, I would've cut ties with him sooner.”

Josefina thought about how Rowan and Sydney had also met on a trip—a familiar scenario.

Hunter asked, “Josie, do you know something?"

Josefina speculated, "I suspect Marina has someone guiding her; otherwise, she wouldn't have met Darrick."

Hunter admitted, "I had folks look into it back then, but they came up empty."

Josefina suggested, "Now that they're out, I bet Marina's true self will surface soon. She's used to living large and will struggle without money."

Hunter nodded, "Josie, you're sharp as a tack. Drake, you're lucky to have such a smart and sensible granddaughter."

Grandpa Robert and Emily beamed with pride. "My granddaughter is indeed smart and sensible," Grandpa Robert boasted. "Having such a gem of a granddaughter is my good fortune."

Emily added, "Josie is truly wonderful."

Josefina, feeling a bit shy from all the compliments, just smiled.

...

After checking on Hunter, Josefina headed to the school's lab to prep for tomorrow's competition. spotted Shay in the lab, who was also gearing up with her team for the contest.

Shay moved effortlessly in her trendy outfit and approached Josefina. Dressed in a chic black mini-dress, with flawless makeup and perfectly styled hair, Shay exuded confidence.

Josefina, noticing Shay's superior attitude, couldn't help but smile.

"What's so funny?" Shay snapped. "I just find it amusing that you think you stand a chance, strutting around here without a hint of embarrassment.”

Shay was taken aback by Josefina's confidence. Her mentor had come to Westwood, and even though they hadn't managed to confront Josefina last time, Shay was

vel

determined not to neto

win

this time around.