Laura was just as confused. "The oldest kid from the Campbell family?"
"Yep," Josephine said casually, "We just met."
"I've heard about him," Laura replied. "People say he's super arrogant and a lot of folks can't stand him, calling him a hypocrite."
"Really?" Josephine didn't seem to care. "Why'd he add me on WhatsApp then?"
"Who knows," Laura shrugged. "But he's in his thirties and still single."
Josephine didn't seem bothered.
Laura went on, "Oh, and there's some juicy gossip."
Josephine chuckled. "How do you always know this stuff?"
Laura retorted, "I'm dishing out the gossip for free, and you're whining?"
Josephine laughed harder. "I'm not whining, just amazed by your inside info."
Laura gave her a mock glare. "It's about Shirley. Everyone thinks she's the Campbell family's golden girl, but she's not even their real daughter."
Josephine was surprised, but since she didn't know Shirley well, she didn't feel much.
"So, the Campbells had three boys and decided to adopt her as their daughter?" Josephine asked.
Laura shook her head. "Nope. They had a daughter, but something happened to her when she was really young. They couldn't handle it, so they adopted Shirley and poured all their love into her."
Josephine nodded. "Got it."
Laura added, "Not many people know this, but the Campbells really do love Shirley."
Josephine laughed. "Steven spilled the tea on this juicy secret, didn't he? He digs up all this private stuff just to keep you happy. He really spoils you."
Laura snorted. "I didn't ask him; he just told me."
Josephine shook her head. "He really indulges you."
Laura wouldn't admit it, but she was pleased.
Meanwhile, Alfonso was shaking his head at Shirley. "She didn't respond."
Shirley looked annoyed. "What's her deal? You messaged her, and she didn't even reply."
Alfonso patted her shoulder. "Don't stress. I'll find another way to reach her. You should get some rest; you've had a long day."
Leaving Shirley's room, Alfonso pondered Josephine, feeling a strong connection and a sense of familiarity.
Where had he seen her before?
Had they met before and he just didn't remember?
If he wanted to find out, he'd need to dig into Josephine's past.
Just as he was about to make a call to investigate, his phone rang. He glanced at it and quickly answered, "Mr. Russell."
He nodded along to whatever was being said on the other end.
After a bit, he hung up.
For now, he put thoughts of Josephine aside because dealing with Clarence Russell was more urgent.
The Campbell family's reputation wasn't what it used to be. Without their connection to the Clarence family, things would be even tougher.
A few years back, they wouldn't have considered Shirley marrying Stuart.
It wasn't that Stuart wasn't good enough; in their eyes, being a businessman was seen as inferior.
They had hoped Shirley would marry into the Clarence family, a big win for them, but the Clarences had other ideas.
The Campbells didn't push it.
Their relationship with the Clarence family wasn't as strong as it used to be. If things got worse, the Campbells would be the ones to suffer.
So, they settled for Stuart instead.
But now, getting Shirley to marry into the Haustia family seemed like a tough nut to crack.
The Campbell family's once-proud status didn't mean much to others anymore.
Just look at Stuart's attitude; he didn't even give the Campbell family the time of day.
If they fell out with the Clarence family again, things would only get worse for them.
Plus, the Campbell family's assets were in dire need of a business whiz like Stuart to turn things around.
Stuart was the perfect candidate.
If Stuart didn't agree, they'd find a way to make him agree.
Sure, Stuart had been divorced, but they didn't care. Besides, Shirley was talented, beautiful, and still single. How could she not be a match for him?
Alfonso went to his parents to explain why the Clarence family had called.
"Thought it was about Shirley's engagement, so they called to check," Alfonso explained.
His mom, Betty Martin, sighed. "Wouldn't it be great if Shirley got engaged? What's up with Stuart? It's been days, and he still hasn't popped the question."
"Mom, don't worry. Shirley is so amazing; Stuart will definitely agree," Alfonso reassured her.
His dad, Enrique Campbell, chimed in, "Betty, give Mrs. Clarence a call later. Let's not jump the gun. Our relationship with them hinges on Shirley. Talk more about Shirley. You know her health isn't great. For years, no one dares to speak recklessly in front of her. Only Shirley is special; her feelings for Shirley are different."
Alfonso suggested, "How about letting Shirley stay with the Clarence family for a while? That way, no matter who she gets engaged to, her status will be elevated."
"Did Shirley go there less often when she was a kid? It was your idea to have Shirley marry someone from the Clarence family. Look, Shirley didn't get married, and now things are awkward between us. Mrs. Clarence said Shirley is grown up now, and since they have a son, it's inconvenient for them to live together," Betty said.
Enrique shook his head. "Shirley used to stay there often when she was little, and Mrs. Clarence liked her a lot."
"Exactly, Shirley is beautiful and well-behaved. I heard that the daughter who had an accident in the Clarence family also..." Betty started.
Enrique frowned and cut her off, "How dare you talk about that? It's because of your loose tongue that our relationship with Mrs. Clarence isn't as good as it used to be, and now we're in this mess!"
Betty felt hurt. "I didn't say anything wrong. It's just that Mrs. Clarence's health has been poor these past few years, and she hasn't allowed Shirley to visit. That's why our relationship has faded. If they don't let Shirley go, should I shamelessly take her there?"
"If there's no other way, we'll have to do that," Enrique said. "As long as Shirley gets engaged to someone else, and Mrs. Clarence knows we wanted Shirley to marry her son, she'll still treat Shirley like a daughter."
"Shirley is truly our lucky star," Betty said. "Even though our biological daughter had an accident, having Shirley allowed us to connect with the Clarence family. Both losing daughters made Mrs. Clarence and me share the same fate. I said there's no rush. When her health improves, I'll take Shirley to visit her."
Enrique nodded. "Subtly mention our family's situation. If they're willing to help, we wouldn't need Shirley to marry Stuart."
Betty sighed, lost in thought.
"Mom, don't stress too much. I know the Clarence family people are quite aloof. If you don't want to..." Alfonso started.
Betty quickly interrupted, "It's not a problem. I remember that in a few days, it will be the anniversary of the late Mrs. Clarence. If necessary, I'll go then."
"I'll go with you," Alfonso said quickly.
When they visited the Clarence family, Alfonso finally realized why Josephine seemed so familiar to him.