With her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail and a fresh face free from makeup, she looked every bit the vibrant college student.

Garrett ladled a bowl of creamy clam chowder for Josefina, his voice warm with affection, "Josie, would you like some milk or juice with that?"

"Just the chowder is fine for me," Josefina replied sweetly.

Lena munched on her sandwich, stealing glances at Josefina. She didn't want to admit it, but Josefina was undeniably stunning, like an angel descended from heaven.

Hattie spoke up, "Josie, Lena here was saying earlier that she wants to introduce you to some of her friends today. They're all from our social circle. Since you've asked us not to disclose your background, we wanted to check with you first. If you're up for it, then by all means go."

Lena took another bite of her sandwich with irritation. The Harrisons seemed overly fond of Josefina! Was it just because she was the long-lost daughter they had found, and now they felt the need to shower her with double the love to make up for eighteen years of lost family ties??

Josefina was curious, though-why was Lena so insistent on her attending this gathering? This wasn't the first time she had mentioned it. It seemed that if she didn't go, Lena would just look for another opportunity.

"Of course, I'll go. Lena has invited me twice now. How could I possibly refuse?" Josefina said with a broad smile.

Hattie and Garrett's gazes simultaneously shifted to Lena.

Lena quickly explained, "Mom, Dad, I thought since Josie is new here and doesn't have any friends yet... and we're sisters, right? My friends should be her friends, too. I'd love to share that with her." Josefina's reply was laden with meaning, "It seems you're very willing to share with me."

"Josie, you are my sister. Of course, I'm willing." Lena blinked, her eyes shining with sincerity.

Josefina remained silent and continued with her breakfast. Lena's enthusiasm fell softly, like upon cotton, quiet and unable to provoke too many words.

After breakfast, Lena and Josefina went upstairs to get ready for the day. Lena sat before the mirror, applying makeup for half an hour.

Josefina knocked and entered. "Lena, are we going or not?"

Lena glanced at Josefina's almost bare face, then back to her blush brush, feeling a twinge of irritation. She had spent half an hour on her makeup and yet couldn't match Josefina's natural look. Lena forced a stiff smile. "Let's go, right now. Josie, you can head downstairs. I just need ten more minutes."

Josefina frowned. "Hurry up, I have plans later in the afternoon."

Josefina descended the stairs while Lena quickly finished up. Together, they took the Harrison family's car out to a countryside farm. The temperature was slightly cooler than in the city. Even so, it was oppressively hot.

Lena stepped out of the car. Josefina, donning a sunhat, followed suit.

"Josie, let's head inside and cool off a bit. I'll introduce you to everyone," Lena suggested.

Josefina nodded and followed Lena inside. Upon entering, she caught a whiff of a peculiar scent that made her wrinkle her nose slightly.

"Lena, there you are! We've been waiting for ages," came a voice filled with anticipation.

"Lena, why did you bring the maid's daughter with you?" another voice sneered.

"This isn't a place for just anyone, you know," yet another chimed in.

The undertones in their voices were clear-they were talking about Josefina, suggesting she wasn't fit for their company. Josefina's face was shaded by her sunhat. Hearing these remarks, she slowly lifted her head, revealing a visage that took everyone by surprise.

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