Brandon's reply sent a shiver down Billy's spine. He shot a glance at Lauren and Ruby. What kind of time was this to be gossiping about others? Keep it to yourself, and talk at home!

With a smile plastered on his face, Billy explained, "We bumped into an old maid from back home. She was always slacking and nibbling at our pantry, even had sticky fingers. Never thought we'd run into her here, caught us all off guard."

Brandon furrowed his brow. Josie had just arrived, and these three had already encountered a maid? Wasn't that a bit too coincidental?

Brandon didn't dwell on it; after all, Josie wasn't that sort of person.

Just then, Bennett entered with news, "Sir, Ms. Josefina has arrived."

Over the phone, Brandon said, "That marriage arrangement with your father was called off years ago. I'll have someone reach out to you with some compensation."

After hanging up, Billy stood there, dumbstruck.

Lauren frowned, asking discontentedly, "Billy, what's going on? Did Brandon just reject our visit?"

Ruby wrung her hands nervously, "Dad, what's happening? Doesn't Brandon want to see me?"

Billy was at a loss, taking a moment to collect himself. He had distinctly heard Josefina's name on the phone.

Ms. Josefina? So Josefina had gone to visit Brandon?

Billy relayed this to the others, and Lauren's anger ignited instantly. "So that's it! I knew that little snake Josefina couldn't just leave quietly. She must have found out about Brandon's status, waving around that marriage contract, claiming to be Oliver's fiancée."

Ruby panicked, "Mom, how could she do this? The contract is mine, and so is the title of Lady Baldwin."

Lauren tried to calm her, "Ruby, don't worry just yet. I'll expose Josefina's true colors to the Baldwins and show them what she's really like."

Billy, frowning, said, "Brandon has already acknowledged Josefina. Whatever we say now is futile. He mentioned a settlement for our family."

Ruby protested, "Dad, are you just going to ignore my marriage like that?"

Lauren chided Billy, "Don't let money blind you."

Billy replied, "Let's wait and see. Once Josefina comes out, we'll ask her what's really going on. If she has taken Ruby's place, we'll have a word with her. You two, keep your cool, let her be of use to us for the time being."

Lauren, discontent, muttered, "I have to be nice to her now?"

Ruby consoled her mother, "Mom, just bear with it. For dad, for our family. As long as you and dad are happy, I can endure anything."

Ruby's words touched Lauren deeply.

At that moment, they could do nothing but wait.

Josefina drove up to the gates of Brandon's villa, where the staff stood in two neat rows on either side of a red carpet, welcoming her.

"Welcome, Ms. Josefina. It's a pleasure to have you," the servants chimed in unison.

Josefina was taken aback by the grand reception. What was Brandon up to?

Feeling somewhat awkward, Josefina stepped onto the red carpet as Bennett approached with utmost respect, "Ms. Josefina, Mr. Brandon is waiting for you inside."

Walking on the scarlet pathway, Josefina entered the villa. Inside, there was a pair of pink slippers-the same ones she had worn on her last visit.

The slippers, clean and new, were meant only for her.

Brandon greeted her with a warm smile, "Josie, come have a seat. You must be tired from the journey. I had the kitchen prepare some chilled beverages, along with fruit and light pastries-refreshing and not too sweet. Have some, rest a bit, and then maybe you can take a look at my ailment."

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