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.

the entrance exam?" Howard said, watching his

mumbled between

university to support Danielle!" Audrey said, her voice bright and innocent, like she was the most thoughtful sister in the world. The way she

out of a dream. Its old, grand buildings seemed to whisper stories of generations of scholars who had

feel like more than just a

Tucker, hurried out to greet them, then froze at seeing Audrey. "Another entrance test? Isn’t Miss Darling already a student here?" His

for our other daughter," Howard explained,

widened with recognition at the sight of Danielle before he masked his reaction. ’Since when does she play at being

I’m Danielle Darling. Looking forward to studying at Moreno University," Danielle

now she wants another entrance test? Since when is she a Darling?’ He had so many

honored you chose Moreno," he said diplomatically. "You’ll be