Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 9-1

"You’re overthinking this," David said to his grandfather. "Get some rest. I have company matters to attend to, so I’m leaving now." Without waiting for a response, he strode toward the door, desperate to escape another lecture.

His phone buzzed with messages from the "Soufield Handsome Man Group Chat-a name that made him cringe, though its members could sway the entire nation’s economy with a single decision.

Joshua Barnes: [Drinks at Divine Club tonight?]

Andrew Graham: [Perfect, it’s been too long.]

Cameron West: [See you tonight.]

Joshua’s messages flooded David’s screen. [@David, don’t tell me you’re bailing again!]

[@David, no excuses this time.]

answer or I’m

replied curtly: [Fine.] He then muted the chat before the mounting headache could

the Darling residence, Danielle descended the stairs with her small bag. She planned to visit York

she spotted her

come try Mom’s freshly

eyes warm

"Oh, you’re having coffee!" She

she poured a cup for

you simply must

then topped off her parents’ cups with practiced sophistication, radiating self-importance. ’Poor thing probably only knows instant coffee from her backwater town, she thought

studied her

had specialty coffee? This

Danielle replied with a sweet smile that didn’t

curated influencer smile faltered as she caught Danielle’s meaning - her fake sweetness wasn’t