Chapter 302: Do You Enjoy Being a Kept Man?

Josephine and Frida, having not seen each other in years, chatted incessantly.

"Josephine," Frida inquired, "which company does your boyfriend own?"

"He isn't my boyfriend!" Josephine shook her head.

"Cut the crap," Frida retorted. "I saw you with him. If he weren't your boyfriend, would you have sat with him and let him hug you? Did you sneak out without your dad's knowledge?" Frida grinned cheekily.

"No, my dad knows we're here in Yeringham," Josephine explained quickly, worried Frida would assume she was eloping and call William.

"Hey, handsome," Frida asked Jared mischievously, no longer intimidated by him, "which company do you own? Since Josephine has the hots for you, you must be something, huh?"

Jared smiled. "I don't own any. I'm unemployed and relying on your cousin for living expenses. In fact, she bought me these clothes." He gestured to his suit, which Josephine had indeed purchased.

"A kept man?" Frida blurted out.

Josephine glared at Frida. "Frida, stop spewing nonsense!" She then offered Jared an apologetic look. "Jared, I hope you don't mind. My cousin can be overly frank."

Jared simply smiled. "Good, I like people like that."

"It's useless for you to like me," Frida teased. "I'll be your relative soon!"

Jared chuckled awkwardly. Even with her sharp tongue and straightforward nature, Frida resembled Josephine.

Soon, the three arrived at a restaurant. After parking, Frida led them inside. A woman with long, wavy hair sat at a corner table, intently studying her phone. Sunglasses hung around her neck, giving her a sophisticated, career-woman air.

Frida approached her excitedly. "Yas, look who's here!"

The woman looked up, startled. Josephine said, "Yasmin, do you recognize me?"

"Josephine?" Yasmin stood up quickly. "What brings you here? Have a seat!"

"My friends and I are here to buy some herbs," Josephine replied, sitting down.

Yasmin then noticed Jared. After a brief assessment, she nodded slightly and extended her hand. "I'm Yasmin Shaw, Josephine's cousin."

"Jared Chance, Josephine's friend," he replied, shaking her hand.

Once seated, Yasmin grinned at Josephine. "Josephine, who is he? He looks really sharp! Well done, you!"

"Yas, stop asking. He's…" Josephine began, but Frida pulled Yasmin aside and whispered something in her ear.

Yasmin's expression darkened dramatically, her gaze toward Jared shifting noticeably.

"Josephine, be careful choosing a boyfriend," Yasmin warned, her words clearly directed at Jared. "You're attractive, and I'm sure you have many suitors. You're still young; be wary of those who might deceive you. It's too late for regrets once you're married."

"Yasmin, you've misunderstood. Actually—" Josephine started to explain.

"There's no need," Yasmin interrupted. "I know everything. I was once your age." She turned to Jared and sneered. "What's your reason for being unemployed? Do you enjoy being a kept man?"

The extraneous promotional text was removed. The dialogue was tightened and made to flow more naturally. Some word choices were improved for clarity and tone.