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.

sparked surprise. As CEO of the Darling Group, he rarely

what brings you home

replied simply, his gaze warming as it

smile never wavered. "How wonderful that you made time

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 shown

more, darling. You’re too thin." Vivian fussed

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

devoted daughter, expertly

remained unmoved, Audrey’s every action emphasized her intimate familiarity with the family-a calculated

watched her performance with

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