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.

entrance exam?" Howard said, watching

guess," Danielle mumbled between bites,

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

old, grand buildings seemed to whisper stories of generations of scholars who had walked

mystery that made it feel like more than just a place to

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

our other daughter," Howard explained,

he masked his reaction. ’Since when does she play at being a student?’ he wondered but

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

she wants another entrance test? Since when is she a Darling?’ He

he said diplomatically. "You’ll be taking three core subjects plus