Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 8-1

Audrey’s stomach churned at Danielle’s cold response, taking it as pure arrogance. She couldn’t help but study her rival’s face-Danielle was stunning, no doubt about it.

But those distant eyes were like ice, almost unnervingly clear, like nothing in this world could ever faze her.

This is that backwater girl?’ she wondered, recalling the lack of useful information in Danielle’s background check.

"Audrey, Danielle just needs time to warm up. You’ll be close soon enough," Vivian soothed.

Audrey’s face softened into a practiced look of pure, lovely, and pitiful innocence. "Of course," she replied obediently, "I’ll be a perfect sister."

"Enough talk-you must be hungry, let’s eat!" Vivian guided Danielle to the table laden with both their girls’ favorites.

unexpected arrival sparked surprise. As CEO of the Darling Group, he rarely had time for family

brings you home for dinner?" Howard

dear sister," he replied simply,

her palms, but her smile never wavered. "How wonderful that you made time for Danielle. Isn’t it lovely?" Each word dripped honeyed

and silence made Audrey burn with both embarrassment and rage. With their parents and Joseph

showered Danielle with choice morsels. Each gesture twisted deeper into Audrey’s heart-her brother had never shown such care

too thin."

overflowing plate, Danielle murmured, "Don’t bother with me.

her well-rehearsed role of a devoted daughter, expertly distributing everyone’s favorites. "I’ll

unmoved, Audrey’s every action emphasized her intimate familiarity with

performance

you, I’ll set her up elsewhere. You