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.

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

think

we go shopping today?" Vivian’s eyes sparkled

check?" Danielle hated

me Mom!" Vivian grabbed her husband’s arm while he

smoothly,

Joseph, leaving them afraid

away the moment their daughter called them "Mom"

you there," Vivian insisted as

"Okay," Danielle replied.

Hospital buzzed with barely contained panic as doctors rushed

Charrington-how did he crash so suddenly?"

to find the elderly patient more dead than

status?" a