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

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 passed the garden terrace, she spotted her parents enjoying

come try Mom’s freshly

eyes

"Oh, you’re having coffee!" She inhaled dramatically. "These must be the special beans I brought back from

poured a

simply must

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

her

coffee? This particular blend..." Audrey began with

know exactly what’s brewing here," Danielle replied with a sweet smile

carefully curated influencer smile faltered as she caught Danielle’s meaning - her