Not A Small-Town Girl

Audrey seethed with rage, wishing she could tear Danielle apart. Her whole life, she had basked in the praise and flattery of others-until Danielle appeared. Ever since returning, Danielle had been using her blood ties to the Darling family to overshadow Audrey and make her life unbearable.

Audrey forced a tremble into her voice, her expression a mask of hurt. "Danielle, it’s my fault. Please don’t misunderstand me."

Danielle’s eyes narrowed, her voice cutting through like ice. "Audrey, I don’t get how you manage to act this fake every single day. You hate me so much it’s practically written on your face, yet here you are, playing the victim. Honestly, it’s exhausting just watching you. Stay away from me-you’re nauseating."

Audrey clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles turned white. How dare Danielle look down on her? Her lips quivered as she glanced at David, tears welling in her eyes. "Danielle, I..." Danielle interrupted coldly. "If you want to keep enjoying your cushy life with the Darling family, you’d better stop with these petty stunts. Because if you don’t, you’ll lose more than just their goodwill."

Audrey’s facade finally cracked. Her face burned with humiliation, and tears streamed down her cheeks as she turned and ran.

Danielle didn’t spare Audrey another glance and climbed into the car. David followed her, closing the door behind him.

"I didn’t even say a word to her," David said immediately, his tone defensive, like a child pleading innocence.

Danielle gave him a sidelong glance, her tone half-teasing. "Good. You wouldn’t be dumb enough to give her the time of day."

David reached out to tousle her hair, his eyes soft with affection. "I brought you something good to eat." He opened the container he had brought, revealing a spread of her favorite dishes, meticulously prepared by his chef. Danielle’s eyes lit up. "It smells amazing! All my favorites!"

As she started eating, David watched her with a smile, marveling at how she ate with the enthusiasm of a little squirrel. "You’ve lost weight. Is the food at your school that bad?"

Danielle rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about? I’ve actually gained a few pounds. You’re imagining things."

Nathan, sitting in the driver’s seat, chimed in to support his boss. "Mrs. Charrington, since you started school, the boss has been worried nonstop about whether you’re eating and sleeping well." noveldrama

Danielle waved a hand dismissively, her mouth full of food. "I’m fine! You don’t need to fuss over me like I’m a kid. Besides, you’re the one who skips meals when you’re busy. Take care of yourself first."

David chuckled, reaching into the bag to pull out another container. "I even brought your favorite strawberry cake for dessert."