Not A Small-Town Girl

His playful jealousy made Danielle laugh out loud.

"How’d you guess? Some of these boys are really handsome."

David’s voice turned mock-petulant, laced with jealousy. "Danielle, have you already forgotten me after just one day at school? Am I not handsome enough for you? Do those boys outshine me?"

Lying in bed, Danielle giggled uncontrollably. "I’m teasing! I haven’t even talked to any boys. Don’t be so dramatic."

David said, "Do you still love me, then?"

Her teasing shifted to gentle reassurance. "Of course I do. Don’t stay up too late working. Get some rest. I’m going to bed now."

David said, "Goodnight, sweetheart. Dream of me."

In Room 808, Divine Club, Joshua complained, "David, can you put down your phone for five minutes? You’ve been glued to it since we got here.".

David smirked, glancing at his friends. "You wouldn’t understand. None of you even have girlfriends. I have to lull my fiancée to sleep. It’s called responsibility."

The three men collectively rolled their eyes.

"One more word, and I’m finding a girlfriend tomorrow," Cameron grumbled, his voice dripping with mock annoyance. "It’s child’s play for someone like me."

"Speaking of which, Jaden, I heard you went on a date today?" Andrew teased, his mischievous eyes sparkling.

This got everyone’s attention. Jaden, the most averse to arranged dates, going on one? "Yeah," Jaden admitted flatly, offering no further details.

"What? Jaden on a date? The world must be ending," Cameron groaned, rubbing his temples. "My family’s going to start nagging me next."

David, ever the troublemaker, chuckled. "Self-delusion at its finest."

Jaden gave him a sidelong glance but said nothing, sipping his whiskey. "The Prosper Group has been cozying up to the Stuart, Dixon, and Harris families. They finalized an investment deal this morning."

Cameron took a sip of his drink, his tone flat and indifferent. "The Prosper Group’s intentions are crystal clear. While I was poisoned, my family started showing their true colors. They’ve been lurking, waiting for the right moment. I’ve given them so much face, and this is how they repay me?"