Not A Small-Town Girl

before rolling her eyes and fainting on the spot.

The Darling family’s servants, who had been in the kitchen, emerged just in time to see David’s foot make contact with Audrey.

They froze, completely stunned. The lively chatter that had filled the room moments before went silent. No one had ever expected David, usually so polite, to act so violently, let alone kick her like that.

David was always the epitome of courtesy when he visited. The servants had completely forgotten about the intimidating reputation he had outside of the house.

Meanwhile, Danielle, who had been watching from the stairs, was also taken aback. She’d only been trying to tease David a little, not expecting him to blow up like this.

The servants snapped back to reality and rushed over to Audrey’s side.

"Miss Darling, are you okay?" "Miss Darling, how are you?"

"Miss Darling..."

Ivan, the butler, hurried into the room, his eyes widening when he saw Audrey lying there with blood at the corner of her mouth. "Get her to the hospital. Now."

The servants rushed to lift Audrey and hurried her toward the car.

Downstairs, Howard and Vivian, hearing the noise, hurried over. Seeing Audrey injured, they immediately asked, "What happened?"

"Sir, Madam, she’s injured. I’m getting her ready to go to the hospital," Ivan said, standing respectfully by.

"Help her onto the couch. I’ll take care of her," Danielle said slowly, watching as the servants still tried to get Audrey settled.

"Miss Audrey Darling is seriously hurt. She’s already coughing up blood. Why are you stopping her from going to the hospital?

"I know you don’t like her, but this is a life-or-death situation. Even if you don’t like her, you can’t keep her from getting help," Skylar shouted, her voice filled with urgency. She sounded as if Audrey might be dying right in front of them.

Danielle silently applauded Skylar’s acting skills. She couldn’t help but marvel at how well both the servant and her so-called "master" played their parts.

’When have I ever looked down on her?’ Danielle thought. This was ridiculous-blaming her for something she didn’t do.to attack her.

"Miss Danielle Darling, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it like that... You haven’t... you haven’t looked down on Miss Audrey Darling, and you haven’t bullied her," Skylar stammered, taking a few steps back in fear.

The way Skylar spoke, her voice quivering as she shrank back, made it clear to everyone that Skylar was implying Danielle had bullied Audrey-and mistreated her servant, too.