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.

of the Darling Group, he rarely had

home for

he replied simply, his gaze warming as it settled

"How wonderful that you made

burn with both embarrassment and rage. With their parents and Joseph present, she could only maintain her hurt

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

darling. You’re too thin."

her overflowing plate, Danielle murmured, "Don’t bother

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

with the family-a calculated display

her performance with

presence bothers you, I’ll set her up elsewhere. You shouldn’t have to compromise