Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 12-1

"Got your breakfast ready, sweetheart," Howard called from the stairs. "Your mom had the kitchen whip up all your favorites."

"Thanks, Dad. But I’m not hungry." Danielle’s hangover pulsed behind her eyes.

Last night’s memories crashed over her-throwing money at a corporate titan, demanding he carry her home... She buried her burning face in her hands. ’Why did I turn into such a hot mess? I never act like that drunk.

But of course, "not hungry" didn’t exist in a parent’s vocabulary, so before she knew it, her dad had already pulled her to the breakfast table.

Audrey seethed in the background, her pristine mask slipping just enough to reveal raw fury at being ignored.

you wanna take the entrance exam?" Howard said, watching his daughter eat so delicately with a proud

I guess," Danielle mumbled between bites,

said, her voice bright and innocent, like she was the most thoughtful sister in the world. The way she acted, one’d almost believe she really cared about cheering her sister on-if one didn’t know

top schools in the country, stood before the Darlings like something out of a dream. Its old, grand buildings seemed to whisper stories of generations of scholars who had walked these halls, each one adding to

made it feel like more than just a place to learn, but a place

Miss Darling already a student

here for our other daughter," Howard explained,

at the sight of Danielle before he masked his reaction. ’Since when does she play at being a student?’ he wondered but

Looking forward to studying at Moreno University," Danielle said

this is rich, Ryan thought. ’She wouldn’t show up before, and now she wants another entrance test? Since when is she a Darling?’

Danielle! We’re honored you chose Moreno," he said diplomatically. "You’ll be