Josefina clarified with a smile, "I only learned about this from the teacher myself. I scored a zero because the grades were off the charts. It was just a glitch. In a couple of days, it'll show up correctly." Robert couldn't suppress his grin. "Josie, you've done me proud! And I've got a few choice emerald pieces back home. I'll give them to you when we get back, a little treasure for you to enjoy."

Hattie chimed in, "Josie, we should throw a party to let all our friends and family in on the news. I want the world to know you're my precious daughter."

Garrett beamed with pride. "Our Josie's got brains, scoring so high even under the pressure of the Antonio family's expectations. She's simply amazing! A real standout!"

Calix mischievously winked and said, "Josie, you're the first academic rockstar in our family. Sure, our big brother's smart, but he wasn't valedictorian. I'm texting him and our other brother right now. They better come home with gifts."

Brandon, caught up in the excitement, whipped out his phone and transferred five million to Josefina's account. "Josie, use this cash to get yourself some back-to-school gear. Clothes, handbags, whatever you fancy. And if it's not enough, you've still got Oliver. The guy's a workhorse, all about making money and not spending it. Leave the shopping to the young ladies, right?"

Oliver nodded in agreement. "I enjoy earning money just so Josie can spend it."

Lena could not believe her ears. She was shell-shocked!

She felt a surge of anger. Why was Josefina the valedictorian all of a sudden? She had hoped to see Josefina make a fool of herself. But now, it seemed the joke was on her.

Lena's grades weren't great, and even after going abroad to add some luster to her resume, she still felt overshadowed. And now, watching all the gifts pour in for Josefina, Lena was a mix of envy and suspicion.

Why was Josefina, despite not being the favorite in the Antonio family, receiving so many gifts?

Lena's curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't help but ask, "Josie, you seem to have it rough with the Antonios, but you sure know some influential people. You're incredible. You got to know so many people and received such valuable gifts."

Josefina just looked at Lena, letting her finish, and then smiled slightly. "So, are you suggesting I met these people through some shady dealings?"

Lena hastily backpedaled, "No, no, that's not what I meant at all. I was just curious; please don't be mad. I didn't mean anything by it."

Oliver's gaze was dark and icy as he interjected, "Lena, think carefully before you speak."

Calix furrowed his brows. He still thought of Lena as his little sister, the girl he watched grow up, a sweet and innocent soul who meant no harm, so he didn't believe she's saying that on purpose. "Lena, it's no mystery why Josie's so successful. She's talented, she's got a sense of justice, and naturally, she knows a lot of people. It's perfectly normal for them to bring gifts to her graduation party."

Josefina added, "I learned medicine from my mentor, and I've indeed met quite a few people through my practice. My mentor, fellow apprentices, and friends sent these gifts."

With that explanation, Lena had nothing more to say. She knew that any further comment would provoke a lethal glare from the crowd, especially from Oliver. His protective posture next to Josefina, with eyes sharp as daggers, was enough to unsettle Lena.

She couldn't understand why everyone doted on Josefina so much. Was it just because she was the valedictorian?

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