Not A Small-Town Girl

"Did Audrey tell you to say all that?" Danielle sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I’ve got to hand it to you both. You and your dear Audrey are amazing actresses, especially when it comes to pretending to be all pure and innocent. You both deserve an award for your performances."

Skylar’s eyes were filled with tears as she looked up at Danielle. "I’m just a lowly servant, not as noble as you, but I’ve worked here at the Darling family for years. How could you slander me like this?"

"Really?" Danielle raised an eyebrow, her tone growing colder. "You can accuse people, but I’m not allowed to defend myself, huh?"

"I’m not slandering anyone, Miss Danielle. I’m just telling the truth. You’re all good people, and I don’t mind the injustices I’ve suffered. But Miss Audrey... she’s been through enough. Please, don’t make her suffer more," Skylar said, her voice thick with tears.

Howard and Vivian exchanged a helpless glance before finally saying, "Let Danielle treat Audrey first." "Sir, Madam, please, let’s send Miss Audrey Darling to the hospital. What if-" Skylar hesitated, glancing nervously at Danielle.

"What? You think Danielle’s going to hurt Audrey while she’s already like this?" Joseph, who had come down the stairs after hearing the commotion, spoke up, his tone sharp. He hadn’t said anything until now, but his presence was undeniable.

"No, no, that’s not what I meant..." Skylar stammered, her voice now tinged with regret.

Among all the young men in the family, Joseph’s presence was the most intimidating. The servants were always wary of him, and now, despite her earlier bravado, Skylar looked genuinely afraid.

"What are you trying to say?" Joseph’s voice was icy, each word sharp like a blade. "Since when does the Darling family need to ask a servant for their opinion before making a decision? Or are you telling me you’ve suddenly become more powerful than your masters?"

"I-I didn’t mean it like that, young master," Skylar stammered, her voice shaking. "I just... I’ve seen Miss Audrey Darling suffering sometimes, and I couldn’t stand by and do nothing..."

Slap!

Danielle’s eyes flashed coldly. She was done with this performance. Without another word, she slapped Skylar across the face, the sound sharp and final.

"You... You-" Skylar gasped, her hand flying instinctively to her cheek, too stunned to speak.

Slap!

"You-" Skylar started again, but her voice faltered.

Slap, slap, slap!

Three quick slaps and Skylar stood there, wide-eyed and silent, too terrified to move.