Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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After dinner, Danielle felt completely stuffed. David had kept pilling food onto her plate, and somehow, she’d kept eating.
Woody approached her, holding a folder with Tara’s medical records. “Miss Darling, here are Tara’s records,” he said respectfully.
“Woody, you can just call me Danielle, she replied with a small smile.
“Of course, Miss Darling, Woody said, bowing slightly.
Danielle felt a bit awkward but let it go. She opened the file and reviewed the records carefully. After a few moments, she looked up and said calmly, “Logan, Tara’s condition isn’t as dire it seems, I can perform the surgery.”
Logan’s eyes widened in disbelief. For months, countless doctors had told him there was little hope, and he’d been preparing for the worst. “Danielle, are you sure? Do you really think she can recover?”
Danielle’s tone was steady but reassuring. “Yes. I can handle the surgery myself.”
“I’ll send someone to bring her back right away,” David said firmly.
“There’s no need for that,” Danielle replied. “I can go to her. It’ll be less stressful for her to stay where she is.”
David’s lips curved into a small smile as he looked at her. “Alright. Then I’ll go with you.”
Before Danielle could respond, her phone buzzed. It was Emery. She glanced at the screen and answered.
On the other end. Emery’s voice was calm but urgent. “Danielle, someone just placed an order on the Black Web. They’re offering ten million dollars for your life.”
Danielle raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in her expression. “Only ten million dollars, huh? I thought I’d be worth more than that.”
Emery chuckled softly. “Well, here’s the kicker. You know this person. Want to guess who it is?”
“Who?” Danielle asked, intrigued.
“Your adoptive sister, Audrey, Emery said, his tone dripping with irony.
Danielle wasn’t entirely surprised. She’d only been back for a few days, and Audrey had already shown her hand.
When Danielle didn’t respond right away, Emery asked, “Should I cancel the order?”
Danielle’s tone was light, almost playful. “Why cancel? Business is business. Ten million dollars might be cheap, but money’s money.”
Audrey was determined to get rid of her, and even if she didn’t take this job, Audrey would–find someone else. She might as well pocket the money herself.
“I understand. Do you want us to send protection? Einery sounded worried.
“No need,” Danielle replied casually. “It’s a small matter.”
Alright, but stay sharp, Emery said, clearly still concerned.
08:17 Thu, Jan 16
Chapter 25
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“Okay,” Danielle said. After hanging up, she turned and found David watching her intently. His intense gaze caught her off guard, making her heart flutter like a calm lake disturbed by a sudden ripple.
Breaking the silence, she said, “I should head home now.”
David’s lips twitched into a soft smile. His voice was low and gentle as he said, “I’ll drive you.”
In the car, the ride was quiet. As the smooth motion of the vehicle lulled her, Danielle’s eyelids grew heavy. Before long, she was sound asleep.
When the car rolled to a stop in front of Treeside Villa, David glanced over at her. Her peaceful expression caught his attention–long lashes Testing on her cheeks, her delicate nose, and lips faintly pink
Without her usual cool and guarded demeanor, she looked soft, vulnerable, and entirely captivating.
Meanwhile, Danielle’s brothers had excitedly returned home to spend time with her, only to find her gone with David.
They sat in the kving room, waiting anxiously for her return. Finally, a servant informed them that Danielle had returned and was at the door, They rushed out, seeing the car had been parked for a while with Danielle still inside. They grew
uneasy.
David noticed them approaching. He’d been about to wake Danielle but hesitated, reluctant to disturb her. As he debated, a sharp knock on the car window broke his train of thought.
“Danielle!” Her brothers pressed their faces against the car window, looking nothing like the composed, high–powered professionals they usually were, Instead, they peered in like kids trying to sneak a peek through a peephole.
The knocking startled Danielle ayake. Groggy and disoriented, she blinked a few times, trying to gather her thoughts. David’s gaze softened as he looked at her. A small smile played on his lips as he gently ruffled her hair. “Finally awake?*
“Yeah,” Danielle mumbled, her voice sill thick with sleep.
Her brothers, impatient and eager, callet out urgently, “Danielle, come on, get out of the car!”
Turning toward the window, Danielle caught sight of their faces squished against the glass. She let out a sigh and said to David, Tm heading in. Drive safe.”
As soon as she opened the door, her brothers swarmed around her.
“Danielle, have you eaten yet?” Xavier asked, concern written all over his face.
“Where did you go? I could’ve gone with you,” Austin chimed in his tone bordering on a whine.
“Danielle, I really enjoyed today. Rest well. David’s voice cut through her brothers‘ fussing.
Danielle paused, slightly surprised that David hadn’t driven off yet. When he got out, he was surrounded by her brothers. “You too. Drive safe,” she replied softly.
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Her brothers exchanged a look as they watched the exchange. Though their parents had approved of David, they couldn’t help but feel protective. Danielle had only just come home, and they weren’t about to hand her over so easily.
“The world’s full of smooth talkers, Xavier muttered pointedly. “Danielle, don’t let yourself be taken in by sweet words.” “Goodbye, Danielle. And to you all as well, David said before getting in his car, showing no intention of trying to win over
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Chapter 25
Danielle’s brothers.
Seeing David’s smug look, Danielle’s brothers glared after the car, watching it until it disappeared from view.
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Danielle found their over–the–top reactions amusing. “Why don’t we go inside?” she suggested gently, worried they might actually run after the car if she didn’t speak up.
At the sound of her voice, her brothers immediately softened, their fierce expressions melting away.
“Danielle, are you free tomorrow?” Xavier asked, his tour hopeful. Tve been meaning to take you shopping, but you’ve been so busy.” He pouted slightly, as though deeply disappointed.
Danielle’s heart softened at his words. She did have plans for the next day, but seeing his enthusiasm, she decided they could wait. Im free,” she said with a small nod.
“Great! I’ll take you out tomorrow!” Xavier beamed, more excited than when he’d won an acting award.
The other brothers groaned internally, cursing Xavier’s cunning nature.
Xavier, are you serious? You’d just attract attention everywhere Matthew said. “Danielle, you’d be better off going with me.”
“Danielle, I’m free too, Joseph added quickly, not wanting to be left out.
“I’ve got nothing on tomorrow either,” Austin chimed in, determined to stake his claim.
Danielle chuckled at their eagerness. She raised a hand, signaling them to stop. “Alright, alright,” she said with a playful smile. “Tll go with Xavier tomorrow. I’ll spend time with the rest of you another day, okay?”
Xavier couldn’t contain his grin, putting up like a proud peacock Don’t worry, Danielle. I’ll make sure we have the best day. No fans, no interruptions, I promise
The other brothers, though a little disappointed, held back their protests. Danielle’s happiness was what mattered most, and they’d all get their turn eventually.
Unbeknownst to them, Audrey stood on the third–floor balcony, watching the scene unfold below. Her expression was dark and filled with jealousy.
She had never experienced anything like this. Sure, her brothers were kind to her, but they’d never gone out of their way to fight over her attention.
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