Not A Small-Town Girl

Danielle looked coldly at the three maids kneeling before her, their tear-streaked faces contorted with fear. Her eyes held no warmth. Today, she was going to expose the traitor.

Every minute spent with the Darling family meant a greater risk for them.

The maids continued to sob on the floor.

"I already know who the culprit is. The only reason I’m still talking to you is to give you a chance to come clean. If you confess now, I’ll show leniency. If I have to expose you, it won’t be so simple," Danielle said, her voice icy, as she rhythmically tapped her index finger on the table.

Joseph added in a low voice, "If you step forward now, considering how long you’ve been with the Darling family, I’ll ensure no harm comes to you. But if we have to point you out, the consequences will be severe."

All eyes were on the three maids, whose faces were now smeared with tears, their sobs echoing in the room.

"I haven’t done anything wrong, Miss Darling. I swear on my life, I haven’t betrayed the Darling family. I’ll cooperate with the investigation. If I’ve done anything wrong, let heaven strike me down!" Sarah hiccuped between sobs, raising three fingers in a vow, her sincerity almost overwhelming.

"Miss Darling, I’m more than willing to cooperate with the investigation. I swear I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve always been loyal to the Darling family," Lindsey said, her face full of sincerity as she spoke up.

"Miss Darling, we’ve always been honest and straightforward in our work for the Darling family. There’s no other intention here. There must be some misunderstanding. We’ve been wronged, and as a sign of my loyalty, I’m willing to resign to clear my name," Judy added, her voice trembling.

"Mrs. Darling, I won’t be able to take care of you anymore. Please remember to eat on time, rest properly, and in the winter, when your legs start to hurt, find someone who knows how to massage. Working for the Darling family these past years has been the happiest time of my life. Thank you for all the care you’ve shown me." Judy gave Vivian a deep bow, her face tear-streaked, looking every bit the victim.

Judy knew she couldn’t stay with the Darling family any longer. Danielle had already figured it out—she wasn’t sure which one of them was guilty, but she’d know soon enough. Before she left, Judy would deliver a gift to the Darling family, a parting gift that would surely shake things up.

Danielle was now almost certain of who the person hiding in the Darling family was, but she still needed that final confirmation.

Judy’s heartfelt words did start to tilt Vivian’s perspective. After all, Judy had always cared for her daily needs, her personality was sweet, and she had a knack for saying all the right things.

Now, with her resignation, Vivian thought there was no way Judy could have hired the assassin. Just as she was about to speak up for Judy, Danielle stopped her.

"Danielle."

Danielle noticed Vivian was wavering. She knew that if she hesitated now, the consequences would be irreversible. The person behind all this was still lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance.

Danielle’s grandparents in the hospital from a car accident, several brothers poisoned, Elliot injured, Matthew captured, Xavier hurt—it was clear this person wanted to take them down one by one. The recent poisonings in Soufield confirmed the reach of this enemy—they had infiltrated deep. But was the person hiding within the Darling family the only one?

"Mom, I know what you’re about to say. You can’t always trust what you see. Until the truth is out, we won’t know who’s friend or foe," Danielle said.

She turned her gaze to Judy. "Am I wrong, Judy?"

Judy’s heart raced, her fists clenched tightly. Danielle was definitely testing her—she had to remain calm, not let any cracks show.

"Miss Darling, I don’t presume to understand your thoughts, but everyone can see how devoted I’ve been to the Darling family and Mrs. Darling," Judy replied, her voice steady, but inside, she was panicking.

"Miss Darling, we’re just servants, but we don’t want to be wrongfully accused or have our dignity trampled on. If you want to dismiss us, just say it directly. There’s no need to come up with all these reasons. If you do, we won’t even ask for our pay for this month."

Judy’s words were sharp, cleverly tying Sarah and Lindsey into her defense, subtly suggesting that Danielle was petty and making excuses to avoid paying them.

Immediately, Sarah and Lindsey exchanged confused glances. ’Does Miss Darling want to fire us? Is she dissatisfied with us?’

Danielle wanted to applaud—Judy was smooth, and it confirmed what she suspected. Judy had something to hide.

Danielle’s brothers, though fuming, stayed silent. They didn’t care how Danielle chose to handle it. As long as she was happy, even if it meant firing the entire staff, they’d support her.