Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 4-1

Dawn painted the sky when Vivian spotted her daughter on the stairs. Her face softened. "Sweetie, you should sleep in-it’s so early."

"I’m used to early hours," Danielle replied. She’d actually been up since five handling business matters, but her mother didn’t need to know that.

"This is your home now. You’re the Darling heiress- your time is your own," Vivian said gently. She and Howard had spent last night weeping in the study after learning the details of their daughter’s hardscrabble life.

"Let’s have breakfast," Vivian said, leading Danielle to the dining table.

The table resembled a five-star buffet, groaning under platters of various dishes-enough to feed an army.

"Try whatever catches your eye," Howard urged fondly. "We weren’t sure what you’d like."

"I’m not picky," Danielle assured them simply.

Danielle," Howard said. "We’ll host a proper homecoming party soon, introduce you

you think best,"

we go shopping today?"

check?" Danielle hated dimming her mother’s

me Mom!" Vivian grabbed her husband’s arm while he pretended to pout, jealousy

Danielle added smoothly, ever

Joseph, leaving them afraid she blamed them

their daughter

take you there," Vivian insisted as Danielle prepared

"Okay," Danielle replied.

contained panic as doctors rushed through

did he crash so

elderly patient more

status?" a