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.

CEO of the Darling Group, he

what brings you home for dinner?" Howard

for my dear sister," he replied simply, his gaze warming as it settled on

into her palms, but her smile never wavered. "How wonderful that you made time for Danielle. Isn’t

made Audrey burn with both embarrassment and rage. With their parents and Joseph present, she could only

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

too thin." Vivian fussed

Danielle murmured, "Don’t bother

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

every action emphasized her intimate familiarity with

her performance with

you, I’ll set her