Not A Small-Town Girl

calm and respectful. "Mr. Charrington, Miss Darling, your meal is ready. Please enjoy."

David nodded again, then said, "Open a bottle of red wine and bring a glass of juice."

"Right away, Mr. Charrington," the manager replied before stepping away.

Danielle’s eyes lit up at the mention of wine. She wasn’t much of a drinker, but she enjoyed a glass now and then.

The manager returned shortly with a bottle of wine, uncorking it with practiced ease. He poured a glass for David and moved to pour another-only for David to stop him.

"She’ll have juice," David said firmly.

Danielle’s jaw dropped. Her much-anticipated wine was gone in an instant. She frowned. "Why can’t I have wine?"

David’s smile turned knowing. "Remember the last time you drank? At the club?" Her face turned crimson as memories of her drunken behaviors came flooding back. The thought alone made her cringe. "That... that was just a one-time thing!" she muttered.

David, looking effortlessly elegant in his black suit, crossed his legs and swirled his wine before taking a leisurely sip. "Sure."

Danielle huffed, sipping her juice reluctantly, but David didn’t seem to notice. Instead, he kept placing food on her plate, his actions thoughtful and natural. "How’s it been, settling back with the Darling family?" he asked after a pause.

She shrugged lightly. "It’s fine. Dad, Mom, and my brothers have all been really kind to me."

David studied her expression for a moment. "Why did you try to bid on the Crimson Lily?"

Danielle’s response came casually. "I’m working on a remedy and needed it as one of the ingredients."

"In a week, I’ll have time to perform the surgery on your grandmother," Danielle blinked her clear, beautiful eyes, gazing at David.

David smiled, his lips curving into a grin. "Great. Let’s go together in a week. Do we need to prepare anything?"

"Nothing at all." For Danielle, this surgery was simple; there was no need for any preparation.

"Good," he replied, his lips curling into a faint smile that lingered just long enough to make her heart flutter again.