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.

surprise. As CEO of the

what brings you home for dinner?"

simply, his gaze warming

nails dug into her palms, but her smile never wavered. "How wonderful that you

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

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

You’re too

plate, Danielle murmured, "Don’t bother

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

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

watched her performance with narrowed

Joseph spoke frankly to Danielle. "If Audrey’s presence bothers you, I’ll set her up elsewhere. You