Not A Small-Town Girl

upsetting Dad?" Sienna murmured, her face painted with an expression of wounded innocence.

Ruby reminded herself to stay calm-for her mother’s sake. But she couldn’t resist firing back, "You’re all wasted talent not being in the entertainment industry."

"Ruby, it’s all my fault," Emily chimed in, her tone oozing fake humility. "I’ll apologize if it makes you feel better. Please, just sit down and spend time with your father."

Robert growled, "Forget it, Emily. If she doesn’t want to eat, let her go hungry. Emily even cooked herself to welcome you back, and this is the thanks she gets? You’re growing more insufferable by the day."

Ruby smirked bitterly. "Thanks, but I’ll pass. I wouldn’t want to be poisoned. If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out. If not, I’m leaving." "You-insolent brat!" Robert’s face turned red with fury.

"Robert, don’t get upset. We still need her help,"

Emily whispered, attempting to calm him.

"Ruby, we need you to clear something up with Joseph Darling," Emily said with a syrupy smile.

The mention of Joseph’s name triggered a flood of memories. He must be doing well now...

"What’s in it for me?" Ruby asked coldly. "Will you let my mother go?"

Emily’s mask of calm nearly cracked, but she forced a smile. "If you do this, I promise to release her."

Ruby’s fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms. ’So, Sienna drugged him back then, and now they’re getting married? Fine. Let them have each other. "And what exactly am I supposed to do?" she asked.

Emily’s smile widened. "Joseph and Sienna were going to get married, but there’s been a misunderstanding about that incident years ago. We need you to tell Joseph that it was all your doing-that you drugged him and orchestrated everything to make Sienna look bad. Once Joseph believes you, their wedding can proceed, and your mother will be free."

Ruby’s heart sank. She could barely process the disgust she felt. ’Of course, they’d stoop to this.’

"And if he doesn’t believe me?" Ruby countered.

"Oh, he will," Sienna interjected, her tone sickeningly sweet. "Joseph loves me. He’s just confused right now. Once you take the blame, everything will go back to normal."

"Fine," Ruby said, her voice void of emotion. "If