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.

at Moreno University. When do you wanna take the entrance exam?" Howard said, watching his

I guess," Danielle mumbled between bites, suddenly starving

her voice bright and innocent, like she was the most thoughtful sister in the world. The way she acted, one’d almost

a dream. Its old, grand buildings seemed to whisper stories of generations of scholars who had walked these halls, each one adding to the school’s legendary

made it feel like more than just a

at seeing Audrey. "Another entrance test? Isn’t Miss Darling already a student here?" His mind raced to uncomfortable

here for our other daughter," Howard explained, presenting

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

Tucker. I’m Danielle Darling. Looking forward to studying

wouldn’t show up before, and now she wants another entrance test? Since when is she a Darling?’ He had so many questions, but with the Darlings present,

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