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.

exam?" Howard said, watching his daughter eat

Danielle mumbled between bites, suddenly starving

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

dream. Its old, grand buildings seemed to whisper stories of generations of scholars who had walked these halls, each one adding

history here-an air of mystery that made it feel like more than just a place to learn, but a place where

them, then froze at seeing Audrey. "Another entrance test? Isn’t Miss Darling

for our other daughter," Howard explained,

the sight of Danielle before he masked his reaction. ’Since when does

Danielle Darling. Looking forward to studying

another entrance test? Since when is she a

said diplomatically. "You’ll be taking three