Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 7-2

Audrey clung to Vivian’s arm affectionately. "I missed you too much to stay away. I brought everyone gifts!"

She distributed her carefully chosen presents. "This Grace skincare set is for you, Mom-this brand is incredibly popular abroad. And Dad, special coffee beans I personally selected for you."

She even brought gifts for the servants. Just then, Danielle entered the living room as Audrey was distributing presents to the staff.

"Danielle, come here!" Vivian beckoned. "Audrey, this is Danielle, our birth daughter. We’ve missed so much of her life, but we’ll make it up to her. We’ve discussed it-you’ll both be our daughters, with Danielle as your elder sister. Take care of each other."

"Mom, Dad, I’m so grateful you’re letting me stay after finding your real daughter, Audrey responded with seemingly heartfelt sincerity. But beneath her warm expression lurked murderous thoughts.

She’d always known she wasn’t their biological child, driving her to work harder for their affection. Yet they’d never stopped searching for their real daughter. Her brothers were even more distant. She couldn’t let Danielle’s return destroy years of careful positioning.

She’d cultivated the perfect life as an elite heiress, with powerful brothers and social status. Most importantly,

she was engaged to David.

Thinking of his aristocratic features, she silently vowed he would be hers alone. After all, Danielle had disappeared once before-it could happen again.

Audrey’s sweet smile masked her calculations as she played the understanding daughter.

"Silly girl, you’re both our daughters, blood or not."

Vivian and Howard beamed at their girls.

Audrey turned to Danielle with practiced gentleness.

"Hi, Danielle, I’m so happy you’re finally home!

Forgive me for not bringing a gift-no one mentioned your arrival. I’ll make it up to you!" Every word subtly emphasized Danielle’s previous absence.

Danielle arched her eyebrow and offered a polite smile that never reached her eyes, her demeanor subtly distant. After years of reading people’s true intentions, she easily saw through the calculated act.

For their parents’ sake, she replied coolly, "Message received. No gifts necessary."