Chapter 9-1

Chapter 9-1

"You’re overthinking this," David said to his grandfather. "Get some rest. I have company matters to attend to, so I’m leaving now." Without waiting for a response, he strode toward the door, desperate to escape another lecture.

His phone buzzed with messages from the "Soufield Handsome Man Group Chat-a name that made him cringe, though its members could sway the entire nation’s economy with a single decision.

Joshua Barnes: [Drinks at Divine Club tonight?]

Andrew Graham: [Perfect, it’s been too long.]

Cameron West: [See you tonight.]

Joshua’s messages flooded David’s screen. [@David, don’t tell me you’re bailing again!]

[@David, no excuses this time.]

[@David, answer or I’m camping at your office.]

David replied curtly: [Fine.] He then muted the chat before the mounting headache could worsen.

At the Darling residence, Danielle descended the stairs with her small bag. She planned to visit York Pharmacy-her special prescriptions were running low, and it had been too long since she’d made any remedies.

As she passed the garden terrace, she spotted her parents enjoying their morning coffee.

"Danielle, come try Mom’s freshly brewed coffee,"

Vivian called, her eyes warm with affection.

Just as Danielle settled into a chair, Audrey glided onto the scene. "Oh, you’re having coffee!" She inhaled dramatically. "These must be the special beans I brought back from abroad for Dad."

With exaggerated grace, she poured a cup for Danielle.

"Here, you simply must try some."

She then topped off her parents’ cups with practiced sophistication, radiating self-importance. ’Poor thing probably only knows instant coffee from her backwater town, she thought smugly.

Danielle studied her cup without drinking.

"Danielle, have you ever had specialty coffee? This particular blend..." Audrey began with honeyed condescension.

"Oh, I know exactly what’s brewing here," Danielle replied with a sweet smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Audrey’s carefully curated influencer smile faltered as she caught Danielle’s meaning - her fake sweetness wasn’t fooling anyone.

"Dad, Mom, while Danielle has joined our family, we really should consider her education." Audrey paused delicately. "Having a family member without proper education would be terribly embarrassing in our social circles.

"Perhaps Moreno University, where I could help look after her? Though the standards are quite high... Maybe with a suitable donation, they could make an exception?"

"Excellent idea!" Howard leaned forward eagerly, concerned about his eldest daughter’s future. "Sweetheart, which university would you like? Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything."

Danielle saw through Audrey’s machinations easily. Moreno University? She’d completed their entire curriculum years ago. Still, to ease her parents’ minds, she decided to play along with the university plan.