Not A Small-Town Girl

that’s all, I’ll get it done. I’ll leave now."

"You have one week, Ruby," Emily reminded her, her voice coated in faux concern.

Ruby stormed out of the Dixon family estate, her mind racing with fury. ’How pathetic. They think they can manipulate me forever. Once I get Mom out, I’ll make them pay for everything.

As she left, her phone buzzed. Seeing the caller, her heart softened.

"Mommy, when are you coming home?" a little girl’s sweet, lisping voice chirped.

The sound of her daughter’s voice melted away all her anger. "Soon, sweetheart. Mommy’s coming home soon. Be a good girl and wait for me, okay?"

Later that afternoon, Danielle arrived early at the training grounds. She scanned the area, her gaze darting around. Spotting Maximus, she approached him.

"Maximus, has Elliot arrived yet? I couldn’t reach him earlier." Maximus scratched his head. "Elliot’s out on a mission. It’s classified, so even I don’t know the details."

Danielle nodded, trying to hide her worry. Please let him be safe. If anything happens, I’ll hunt down every assassin and the person who put the hit on him.

She sent a quick message: "Track the assassins who accepted the contract on Elliot. Locate the client’s IP immediately."

As she pocketed her phone, she felt several pairs of eyes on her.

"She’s stunning. Definitely the prettiest girl at Moreno University," one boy whispered. "Absolutely. Everything about her is perfect-her face, her posture, even the way she stands."

Nearby, Emma smirked and decided to stir the pot. "Don’t bother. Someone like her would never notice guys like you. Unless, of course, you have enough money. Not that it would matter-her ’backers’ wouldn’t allow it."

Her cryptic words sparked curiosity.

"You know her? Tell us more!"

Emma feigned hesitation before adding, "I’ve seen her with different men at certain events. Let’s just say it’s... complicated."

"Multiple men? Wow, she’s really playing the field," someone muttered.

"She’s a gold digger? What a waste of such a pretty face." The once-admiring gazes turned into judgmental sneers, fueled by Emma’s poisonous words. Danielle, oblivious to their gossip, focused on the mission in her mind.