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.

to go at Moreno University. When do you wanna take the entrance exam?"

guess," Danielle mumbled between bites,

to support Danielle!" Audrey 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

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

of history here-an air of mystery that made it feel like more than just a

then froze at seeing Audrey. "Another entrance test? Isn’t Miss Darling already a student

for our other

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

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

test? Since when is she

said diplomatically.