Not A Small-Town Girl

ambitious-like a fox in disguise.

"I can’t for the life of me understand why men always pick women like her over women with real class. It just baffles me!" Vivian ranted, growing more frustrated as she spoke. She shot a glare at both Howard and Joseph.

Howard thought, ’I didn’t do anything wrong. I’ve been loyal!’

Joseph thought, ’Seriously. I’m the victim here, and now I’m getting blamed by Mom too?’

"Honey, I’m not like Robert. From the very beginning to the very end, it’s always been you. My heart and mind are filled with nothing but you," Howard quickly reassured.

He was desperate not to be mistaken for someone who could change his affections on a whim.

"Hmph." Vivian gave him a playful side-eye.

"I swear, I’ll love you for the rest of my life. You’re my queen, and whatever you say goes," Howard said, pulling her close and planting a kiss on her cheek.

"What are you doing? The kids are right there."

Vivian had been teasing him, but she never expected him to be so bold in front of their son and daughter.

Danielle thought, ’Am I in the wrong scene here? Weren’t we supposed to be talking about Joseph? Why are Mom and Dad acting like this...

Joseph thought, ’This is ridiculous. Just ridiculous.’

Vivian’s face flushed slightly as she noticed their kids watching. She felt a little embarrassed and muttered, "It’s all your fault."

"It’s my fault," Howard said with a soft smile, seeing that his wife was embarrassed. His eyes were full of affection. "Ahem, ahem. So, Joseph, what’s your plan now?"

"First, we need to figure out if the Dixon family is involved, or if this is Ruby and Sienna’s scheme-or maybe just Sienna on her own. "Sienna came to my office today and proposed marriage. If Danielle hadn’t come through with the video, we might be in a very different situation..." Joseph’s words trailed off, but everyone knew exactly what he meant.

"Finding out if the Dixon family’s involved isn’t hard. We just need to see where they stand- whether they’re trying to use this to force Joseph into marriage," Danielle said, her voice cool and collected.

"If anyone tries to manipulate my son, I won’t let them get away with it," Vivian said fiercely, her anger bubbling up.

"Joseph, do you need me to track down Ruby’s address?" Danielle offered, her tone thoughtful.

"No need," Joseph replied coldly, his eyes distant, his thoughts elsewhere.