Not A Small-Town Girl

cold.

She wondered, ’What does that mean? Is she going to keep doing this until I open my eyes?’ The thought of it made her blood boil.

"I trust Danielle’s skills," Howard said, his tone firm, his approval clear. They had all seen what she could do, especially after she helped Logan and Alice recover. They did not doubt her abilities.

Audrey’s grip on the bedsheet tightened, her nails digging into the fabric. She thought, ’How could they not see what is happening? Danielle is targeting me on purpose.

"The next few needles are going to hurt even more. But I’m sure she’ll be awake soon enough," Danielle said.

As though on cue, Audrey began to stir, just as Danielle was about to insert another needle.

to me?" Audrey whispered weakly, her voice barely audible. "Miss, are you alright?" Skylar rushed to Audrey’s side, her voice full of panic. "Miss

I should thank Danielle for the acupuncture... She must have been so worried," Audrey said, her voice fragile as she sat up on the sofa. Her lips quivered as she forced a weak smile, her eyes red

dripping with disdain. She didn’t even try to hide her contempt as she looked at

easily." Her tone made it clear she meant: [Don’t bother

boiled. She knew exactly what Danielle was implying. She cursed

up until now, finally spoke up, perhaps worried the tension between the two women would escalate. "Audrey,

down her cheeks. She looked so pitiful

twisted my ankle, and then... I bumped into David. When Danielle came downstairs, she

scoff. Audrey’s ability to lie so smoothly