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.

her easy acceptance. "Everything’s official now-you’re legally our daughter, Danielle," Howard said. "We’ll host a proper homecoming party soon, introduce you to everyone. Your uncles will

you think best," Danielle

we go shopping today?" Vivian’s eyes

Rain check?" Danielle hated dimming

husband’s arm while he pretended to pout, jealousy written all over

Danielle added smoothly, ever

Joseph, leaving

sadness melted away the moment their daughter called them "Mom" and "Dad,"

our driver take you there," Vivian

"Okay," Danielle replied.

barely contained panic

Charrington-how did he crash so

arrived to find the elderly patient more

a