Chapter 28-2
Not A Small-Town Girl
about Egbert. "Danielle, did you see this? Karmaâs got Egbert good. Whoever Knight is, theyâre my hero," Xavier said with a grin, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Danielle didnât respond, keeping her expression neutral.
Feeling playful, Xavier snapped a photo of Danielle from behind and posted it online. [Day off, shopping with my sister. Didnât expect to trend.]
Fans erupted in excitement, and their comments kept popping up below the post.
[Even from the back, Xavierâs sister is gorgeous!]
[I saw Xavier at the mall today and got his autograph-his sister is even more beautiful in person!]
[I wish I had a beautiful sister like her.]
[Xavier posted! Canât wait for his new movie!]
[Always supporting Xavier!]
Satisfied, Xavier didnât bother checking his phone after posting. He already knew how his fans would react.
Ramona, seeing the post, immediately mobilized the PR team to share highlights of Xavierâs awards and career achievements, effectively steering the conversation in his favor.
The shift in public opinion was swift. As fans showered Xavier with love, they redirected their anger at Egbert, flooding his Twitter with insults.
Egbert, already reeling from the scandals, hit his breaking point.
And just like that, Xavierâs critics flipped their tone. One moment they were tearing him down; the next, they were singing his praises. Such was the internetâs fickle nature.
[Danielle, dinner tonight?] David stared at the text heâd just sent.
Danielle replied curtly: [Maybe another time.]
"Danielle, letâs head home," Xavier said with a smile.
"Okay," Danielle answered.
Davidâs response was almost immediate. [But I really want to have dinner with you.]
Danielle hesitated, then typed back: [Alright then.]
David replied quickly: [Great. Iâll pick you up later.]
Danielle simply responded: [Okay.]
Meanwhile, Xavier glanced at her. Remembering her driving earlier, he decided he wouldnât let her take the wheel again. "Danielle, Iâll drive us home."
"Sure," she agreed without hesitation.
At the Darling family home, Sienna said politely, "Mr. and Mrs. Darling, I heard Josephâs sister has been found. Joseph and I have been meaning to visit, but this is the first chance weâve had."
"You didnât need to bring anything. Itâs lovely to have you here," Vivian replied warmly.
Joseph sat quietly nearby, lost in his thoughts.
Audrey came down the stairs, her face lighting up when she saw Sienna. "Sienna, youâre here!"
"We heard Danielle was back, so we thought weâd stop by. We just havenât seen her yet," Sienna explained, her tone measured.
"Danielle went out with Xavier this morning," Joseph said flatly.
"Yes, they left pretty early," Audrey added. As if on cue, the front door opened, and Xavier and Danielle walked in, chatting and laughing.
"Danielle, youâre back. Are you tired?" Vivian asked, pulling her daughter into a gentle embrace.
"Are you hungry, sweetheart?" Howard, who had been quiet until then, smiled warmly at her.