Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess
Chapter 165

Ruby stood there, her mind a scrambled mess, as she clutched her reddening cheek. "Dad, why did you hit me?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and hurt.

Lauren snapped out of her shock and, with protective fury, stepped forward to give Billy a piece of her mind. But his furious glare rooted her to the spot, and her anger dissolved into silence.

Ruby and Lauren were both overpowered by Billy's intimidating presence. They didn't understand his sudden outburst and could only glare back in anger, bewildered.

Billy's gaze was icy as it fixed on Ruby. "Ruby, how could you do such a thing?" he demanded.

Puzzled, Ruby replied, "What did I do?"

"Your classmates came to my office," Billy continued, his voice rising, "claiming you sold them out to some men."

Ruby's heart skipped a beat, then she retorted, "Dad, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"They said at the last party, when they came to celebrate finding your biological parents, you turned around and sold them out to some sleazy guys."

Ruby laughed, a hint of scorn in her voice. "Do these people have proof? If they had any, they'd have gone to the police, not to your office."

Billy had been reluctant to believe such accusations. In his heart, Ruby had always been his little angel. He had rushed home, desperate to hear the truth from Ruby herself. Lauren jumped to her daughter's defense. "Ruby wouldn't do such a thing. Those classmates of hers are just jealous because we're well off. They're trying to smear her name!" Taking Ruby's hand, Lauren said firmly, "Don't be scared, Ruby. We'll go to the police and clear your name."

Ruby looked pained. "Mom, let's just drop it. After all, they're still my classmates. Maybe they're just trying to shake us down. I'll talk to them tomorrow and clear things up." Ruby's demeanor showed no signs of deceit. Billy watched Ruby as she spoke, whose voice was laced with injustice.

Facing her father's scrutiny, Ruby said helplessly, "Dad, how could I possibly harm my classmates? They were the ones who drank too much. I was kind enough to book their rooms. Xavier was there, too. He and I left together. How was I supposed to know they'd get drunk? How could I have known they'd hook up with sleazy guys and do such lowly things?"

Ruby's explanation finally convinced Billy. Lauren glared at him with indignation. "See, I told you Ruby wouldn't do something like that. She's always been so obedient, but you chose to believe others over her!" Billy was at a loss for words. He didn't offer an apology, just trudged upstairs. Ruby watched his retreating figure and let out a cold, mocking smile.

Oliver had dropped Josefina off at her home, not just at the gate but right at the entrance. His driver had come to pick them up, as the rideshare from earlier had left after dropping them off at the restaurant. Hattie and Garrett, hearing the car, came out to see. They exchanged a knowing look upon seeing Oliver's vehicle. Their resistance to Oliver's kindness towards Josefina was waning. If Oliver wanted to pursue their daughter, they would let him try. After all, they were curious to see how persistent he could be. Their daughter was not an easy catch.

Josefina stepped out of the car to find her parents sharing a knowing smile, and she couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. It was as if they were teenagers caught in puppy love by their folks.

"Josie, you're back," Hattie said with a warm smile. "I had the kitchen whip up some snacks for you. Come in and try them." She took Josefina's hand and led her inside.

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