Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 26

The next morning, Xavier was up bright and early, lounging in the living room as he eagerly waited for Danielle. It was his first time taking her shopping, and he’d been so excited he’d barely slept.

"Just so you know," Xavier announced smugly to his brothers, "I’m taking Danielle out today."

The others exchanged sharp glances, silently cursing his gloating.

"Mom, why isn’t Danielle down yet?" Xavier asked, practically bouncing in his seat.

Vivian shot him a look of mild irritation. "For heaven’s sake, Xavier, you’ve asked a hundred times already. Be quiet for a minute, okay?"

Before she could say more, Danielle came down the stairs, her presence instantly lighting up the room.

"Danielle! Did you sleep well? No rush-take all the time you need," Xavier said, his tone enthusiastic as he stood to greet her.

"Good morning, everyone," Danielle said, her smile warm and cheerful.

Howard and Vivian beamed at their daughter, admiring her cute outfit. "Come have some breakfast first, sweetheart," they said in unison.

Meanwhile, Audrey had been upstairs, spending extra time primping herself. When she finally walked into the living room and saw everyone gathered around Danielle, happily eating, she felt a pang of jealousy.

"Good morning, everyone," Audrey said with a big, practiced smile.

Vivian glanced up. "Audrey, you’re up early. Come join us for breakfast," she said gently.

Audrey sat down, playing coy. "I wanted to eat with all of you."

As the meal went on, she turned to Joseph, her tone casual but calculated. "Joseph, since I’m on summer break and bored at home, can I intern at the company?"

Joseph frowned slightly, surprised. "Why the sudden interest in working?"

Howard and Vivian exchanged glances, equally puzzled. Audrey wasn’t the type to show much interest in hard work.

"Audrey, if you’re bored, why not take a trip with your friends?" Vivian suggested. "Working at the company can be exhausting. I don’t want you overdoing it."

Audrey pouted a little, her voice softening. "Mom, I know you care about me, but it’s our family business. I just want to learn a little, and Joseph won’t let me work too hard, right?" She batted her lashes at him.

Howard rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Some work experience wouldn’t hurt."