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 rarely had time for

brings you home for

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

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

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

parents and Joseph showered Danielle with choice morsels. Each gesture twisted deeper into

You’re too thin." Vivian

Danielle murmured, "Don’t bother with me. Enjoy your

daughter, expertly distributing everyone’s favorites. "I’ll learn your preferences

emphasized her intimate familiarity with the family-a calculated display of who truly belonged at this

watched her performance

in the garden, Joseph spoke frankly to Danielle. "If Audrey’s presence bothers you, I’ll set her up elsewhere. You shouldn’t have