Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josefina continued, her voice firm and resolute, "Noel, the company gave you the chance to be a manager, and instead, you lined your own pockets with its money. Effective immediately, you are terminated! The company will pursue legal action to hold you accountable for your actions!"

Before Noel could muster a response, the police arrived and whisked him away without delay. Caught off guard, Noel had met his downfall.

A murmur rippled through the gathered employees; none had expected Josefina to act with such swift decisiveness. Once again, the staff had witnessed Josefina's shrewd tactics, and none dared challenge her authority now.

Josefina's gaze settled on a thirty-six-year-old woman, Angel, and she addressed her, "Angel, as of this moment, you're the new manager of the procurement department."

Angel stood, stunned, hardly believing what she was hearing. "Ms. Josefina, are you serious? You want me to take Noel's place? To be the manager?" For years, she had been just another face in the crowd of employees.

Undeterred by the surprised looks around her, Josefina pressed on, "Although you've been just a regular member of our staff, I've taken note of your contributions over the years. You've never been a brown- noser and always stuck to your own moral compass, and that's no small feat. When our design plans were stolen, you stayed with the company through thick and thin, showing a passion and responsibility that makes you worthy of the manager's title."

Some employees blushed with shame, having abandoned ship too early, thinking Josefina wouldn't be able to turn the tide. To not be fired was a stroke of luck for them.

They watched Angel ascend to the managerial role, their feelings a tangled mix of envy and resignation. After all, their own lack of effort had led them here.

No sooner had Josefina settled into her office than opportunities came knocking at her door.

Two fledgling companies were eager to partner with her. One proposed that her company help produce clothing, while the other, a fashion wholesaler, sought her design expertise. Both offers were incredibly favorable as if they were practically handing her money on a silver platter.

Josefina faced the first company's youthful CEO, Mr. Tyson, and asked, perplexed, "Mr. Tyson, by giving us such a generous cut of the profits, what's left for your company?"

Mr. Tyson replied with a smile, "We're banking on reputation, Ms. Josefina. Your company's reputation for quality is stellar. Consumers will flock to buy garments produced by you."© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Since the contract was airtight, Josefina decided there was no sense in passing up free money.

The second CEO was just as earnest, "Ms. Josefina, your company's designs are truly eye-catching, the crème de la crème of the industry. It's an honor to work with you. You boldly design, and we'll cover the costs. If agreeable, you produce, and we'll handle the sales. We'll target the mainstream market. How does that sound?"

Josefina reviewed the contract they had drafted, which was practically a gift to her. She persisted, "If you're giving us all the profits, what's left for you? A diet of winds and empty stomachs?"

Scratching his head, the CEO replied, "We weren't sure if you'd be open to partnering with us, so we had to show our sincerity. We're hoping for a chance to collaborate with you, Ms. Josefina. Rest assured, we'll shoulder the risks."

After some back-and-forth, Josefina managed to negotiate a better deal for the CEO, leaving him with a bittersweet victory.

The CEO stepped outside and found a quiet spot to make a call, "George, it's a go. Ms. Josefina agreed to the partnership."