Chapter 12
“Got your breakfast ready, sweetheart,” Howard called from theirs. “Your mom had the kitchen whip up all your.
favorites.”
“Thanks, Dad. But I’m not hungry.” Danielle’s hangover pulsed behind her eyes.
Last night’s memories crashed over her–throwing money at a corporate titan, demanding he carry her home… She buried her burning face in her hands. Why did I turn into such a hot mess? I never act like that drunk.‘
But of course, “not hungry” didn’t exist in a parent’s vocabulary, before she knew it, her dad had already pulled her to the breakfast table.
Audrey seethed in the background, her pristine mask slipping just enough to reveal raw fury at being ignored.
“Everything’s good to go at Moreno University. When do you wanna take the entrance exam?” Howard said, watching his daughter eat so delicately with a proud grin on his face.
“This afternoon, I guess,” Danielle mumbled between bites, suddenly starving despite herself.
“We should totally go to the university to support Danielle!” Audrey said, her voice bright and innocent, like she was the most thoughtful sister in the world. The way she acted, one’d almost believe she really cared about cheering her sister on–if one didn’t know better.
Moreno University, one of the top schools in the country, stood before the Darlings like something out of a dream. Its old, grand buildings seemed to whisper, stories of generations of scholars who had walked these halls, each one adding to the school’s legendary reputation.
There was an undeniable sense of history here–an air of mystery that made it feel like more than just a place to learn, but a place where greatness was made.
The dean, Ryan Tucker, hurried out to greet them, then froze at seeing Audrey. Another entrance test? Isn’t Miss Darling already a student here?” His mind raced to uncomfortable conclusions about the possibility of a secret child.
“We’re here for our other daughter,” Howard explained, presenting Danielle.
Ryan’s eyes widened with recognition at the sight of Danielle before he masked his reaction. ‘Since when does she play at being a student?’ he wondered but kept his thoughts carefully hidden.
“Hello, Mr. Tucker. I’m Danielle Darling. Looking forward to studying at Moreno University,” Danielle said coolly.
‘Well, this is rich, Ryan thought. ‘She wouldn’t show up before, and now she wants another entrance test? Since when is she–a Darling?‘ He had so many questions, but with the Darlings present, he’d have to hold his tongue:
“Welcome, Danielle! We’re honored you chose Moreno,” he said diplomatically. “You’ll be taking three core subjects plus your major.”
“Will the tests be too challenging for Danielle?” Audrey’s concern deserved an Academy Award. “Given her… limited educational background.”
“Let’s just begin, Danielle cut in before Ryan could respond.
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Meanwhile, at Darling Group. Sienna Dixon’s Chanel suit and designer sunglasses announced her arrival as she swept through the office, collecting “Miss Dixon” greetings like tribute)
Sienna basked in the deferential greetings like a queen holding ourt. “Morning everyone! I brought coffee for you all!” She clicked her way to the elevator in designer heels and headed up to the executive floor.
The executive stafl‘ greeted her warmly–everyone knew she might be their future boss’s wife, so they laid the charm on
thick.
“Miss Dixon, Mr. Darling’s in a meeting. Let me show you to the waiting area, Julian said coolly, treating her with strict professionalism rather than the special deference she expected as the boss’s girlfriend.
“I’ll wait in Joseph’s office.” Sienna bristled at Julian’s tone. ‘How dare some assistant talk to me like that? Just wait until I’m Mrs. Darling–you’ll be the first one out the door
“Sorry, Miss Dison. There are a lot of classified materials in his office. No unauthorized access. Julian remained unmoved. Just then. Joseph emerged from the conference room, his expression carefully neutral at the sight of Sienna.
“Joseph, you’re done!” Sienna’s voice turned sweet and vulnerable–a complete switch from her earlier attitude.
“I wanted to wait in your office, but Julian made me use the waiting room,” she pouted, shooting Julian a nasty look “I mean, given our relationship, it’s perfectly normal for me to wait there, right?”
“He’s right about security protocols,” Joseph stated, brushing past her complaints about Julian’s “rudeness.”
Her face darkened for a split second before she recovered with practiced grace. “T’d love to meet your newfound sister soon.
“Perhaps another time. I’m occupied he replied.
“There’s this lovely new steakhouse for lunch,” she pressed, reaching for his arm with calculated vulnerability.
“Fine,” he agreed. If not for that incident, he’d likely have cut ties completely. But guilt makes for sturdy chains.
Back at Moreno University, the examination panel whispered among themselves as Danielle worked, certain this was a mere formality. After all, the daughter of wealth needed no real aptitude.
“Math section,” Danielle announced, offering her completed paper,
“It’s about accuracy, not speed,” Elara Thorne, the math professor, said condescendingly. “Perhaps you should review your-
work.”
She didn’t even take Danielle’s paper, disbelief written all over her face. Ten minutes? Impossible. Even our top students couldn’t finish this quickly–especially with the advanced problems I specifically included And this girl supposedly grew up
in the middle of nowhere?”
“Already double–checked,” Danielle replied calmly, placing the exam on Elara’s desk before moving on to her next subject.
Elara’s dismissive glance turned to instant fascination as she snatched up the paper. “Remarkable! Such brilliant solutions, such clear logical progression.”
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Her colleagues gathered, equally impressed.
“Mr. Tucker, look at this! Perfect score, including our deliberately challenging final question. Every step pristinely logical. Now this, Elara declared with genuine academic excitement, “is true talent.”
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