Not A Small-Town Girl

Julian’s survival.

At last, the monitors steadied, and Julian’s vital signs stabilized. The other doctors exhaled in relief, exchanging glances of awe. When Julian had arrived, they’d thought he was beyond saving. Yet Danielle’s steady hands had pulled him back from the brink.

Outside the operating room, Joseph’s expression darkened. ’If Julian hadn’t been driving her car today, it would’ve been Danielle hurt in that crash. She’d be the one lying in surgery right now. His eyes turned icy, his thoughts hardening with resolve.

Pulling out his phone, he made a call. "Dig into the truck driver’s background. I want every detail."

When Julian was wheeled out of surgery, Danielle followed, sweat beading her forehead. She hadn’t eaten all day, and exhaustion tugged at her from hours of work in the lab, caring for her grandparents, and now this surgery. Still, relief softened her expression. "Danielle, are you all right?" Joseph asked, noting her pale complexion.

"I’m fine," Danielle reassured him. "Julian’s stable. He’ll wake up tomorrow, but he’ll need time to recover."

Joseph nodded, his thoughts dark. Julian had been his trusted aide since he took over Darling Group, loyal and capable.

Danielle’s gaze turned icy as she reflected on the accident. The truck had clearly targeted her. If she’d been driving, she’d be the one in Julian’s place now. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.

to investigate the driver," Joseph said, his tone sharp. "It wasn’t random. The truck ran

This attack, coupled with the poisoning of her grandparents,

her phone, she sent a message. [Look into the truck driver from today’s accident near

after, Emery responded: [Are you okay? Which hospital are you at?

me-it was Julian. He was driving my

investigate and send you what I

connected to my grandparents’ poisoning? Or could it be tied to

see what the driver has to say,"

way, Emery sent over

months ago, he was diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer. His parents, wife, and

offshore account transferred three hundred thousand dollars to Jack. The

Police Station.

arrived at the station, where the police chief, Ethan, greeted them personally. "Mr. Darling, you’re

cold. "Ethan, has the truck