Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 2-2

He swore to make it all up to her and spare no expense in giving her the best of everything.

"Welcome home, darling," Vivian murmured, linking arms with her daughter.

The main gates stood far from the mansion, necessitating a drive through the grounds. A magnificent fountain marked the entrance, leading to expansive gardens where rare flowers from around the world created an ocean of blooms-a scene straight from a fairy tale.

The staff lined the drive-butlers, guards, gardeners, chefs, and maids-bowing in perfect unison. "Welcome home, Miss Darling."

The mansion’s foyer dripped old money crystal chandeliers casting a brilliant glow, museum-worthy paintings adorning the walls, priceless antiques casually displayed like vacation souvenirs, and luxurious rugs sprawling across the floor. Every detail exuded the owner’s prestige and wealth.

"I let them take you. I

though a hint of warmth softened her

emotional isolation had left her rusty at human connection. Her adoptive parents had drummed it into her head that she

stayed, desperately hoping for scraps of affection until their

searched relentlessly cracked something in her carefully constructed

resembles you. We’ve

stricken expressions. Danielle’s face remained neutral. "Your

in relief

have her move out," Joseph said flatly. "You’re the Darling heiress-no

murmured, warming slightly at