Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 7-1

A sleek luxury car rolled to a smooth stop outside the Treeside Villa. Ivan quickly rushed over, bowing with respect as he opened the door.

He greeted, "Welcome home, Miss Audrey Darling! It’s so good to have both you and Miss Danielle Darling here-your parents are gonna be over the moon to see you!"

Audrey stepped out of the car like a movie star, her salon-perfect hair framing porcelain features. The staff materialized to handle her designer luggage while Ivan hovered attentively.

"Are Dad and Mom home?" Her casual tone masked the tension in her shoulders. After the maid, Skylar Sanders, dropped the bombshell about her newly found "sister" yesterday, she had caught the first flight back.

"They went shopping for Miss Danielle Darling. They should return shortly," Ivan replied respectfully.

’Already playing favorites, she thought, acid burning her throat.

when they get back," she

commanded attention in his immaculate black suit. His cool

broke into a cold sweat mid- presentation, uncertain whether

David ordered, his penetrating gaze betraying an undeniable authority that seemed to pierce through

David issued his directive. "Design and Marketing-send this quarter’s new product lines and market share reports

said respectfully, following behind. "Your fiancée has been found. The Darlings will host a homecoming party soon. Perhaps

arrangement." David’s handsome features hardened with cold indifference. "Cancel it." The marriage

to the Darling residence. Ivan rushed to open

to Danielle’s room," Vivian instructed, having spent the morning shopping

has returned,"

timing for her to meet Danielle!" Vivian headed inside with Howard,

the family group chat, asking them to come home for a surprise. The boys had scoffed, joking that their parents’ surprises were usually more shocking