Not A Small-Town Girl

"Did you have a good time shopping?" Joseph asked, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at Danielle.

Sienna caught Joseph’s expression and narrowed her eyes at Danielle, her face darkening with jealousy.

"I’m not tired or hungry. It was a nice day," Danielle replied with a soft smile.

Xavier spread his arms dramatically. "What about me? No love for your favorite son, huh? Aren’t you all worried about me?"

"You dragged Danielle out all day. And you want us to care about you now, huh?" Howard said flatly to Xavier.

Vivian turned to Danielle. "Danielle, this is Sienna, Joseph’s girlfriend," she said, gesturing to the woman sitting on the sofa.

Danielle turned her gaze to Sienna, taking in her appearance. Sienna had soft, wavy flaxen hair and a polished demeanor. Her eyes appeared kind, but there was an unmistakable sharpness behind them.

"Danielle, it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Sienna, Joseph’s girlfriend. Welcome home," Sienna said, her tone sweet but slightly pointed, emphasizing her connection to Joseph.

Danielle had met plenty of women who hid their true nature behind a polished exterior. It didn’t take much for her to see through Sienna’s facade, but she was surprised that Sienna was Joseph’s type.

She raised an eyebrow slightly and responded nonchalantly, "Hello."

Without sparing her another glance, Danielle walked past Sienna and sat at the far end of the sofa.

Sienna clenched her fists subtly. Danielle’s indifference made her feel small, as though she were being mocked just by Danielle’s presence.

"Danielle, do you not like Sienna? She’s really nice once you get to know her," Audrey chimed in, her voice dripping with false sweetness. Danielle turned to Audrey, her brow furrowing as if Audrey had just said something incredibly stupid.

"Audrey, watch your mouth," Xavier said coldly, his expression darkening. "Danielle just needs time to adjust. Don’t make things up."

"I wasn’t trying to cause trouble," Audrey said softly, lowering her gaze like a scolded child. "I just wanted Danielle and Sienna to get along. I meant well." Her voice quivered, as though she were the victim.