Not A Small-Town Girl
Chapter 28-2

about Egbert. "Danielle, did you see this? Karma’s got Egbert good. Whoever Knight is, they’re my hero," Xavier said with a grin, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Danielle didn’t 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. Didn’t expect to trend.]

Fans erupted in excitement, and their comments kept popping up below the post.

[Even from the back, Xavier’s 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! Can’t wait for his new movie!]

[Always supporting Xavier!]

Satisfied, Xavier didn’t 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 Xavier’s 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, Xavier’s critics flipped their tone. One moment they were tearing him down; the next, they were singing his praises. Such was the internet’s fickle nature.

[Danielle, dinner tonight?] David stared at the text he’d just sent.

Danielle replied curtly: [Maybe another time.]

"Danielle, let’s head home," Xavier said with a smile.

"Okay," Danielle answered.

David’s response was almost immediate. [But I really want to have dinner with you.]

Danielle hesitated, then typed back: [Alright then.]

David replied quickly: [Great. I’ll pick you up later.]

Danielle simply responded: [Okay.]

Meanwhile, Xavier glanced at her. Remembering her driving earlier, he decided he wouldn’t let her take the wheel again. "Danielle, I’ll drive us home."

"Sure," she agreed without hesitation.

At the Darling family home, Sienna said politely, "Mr. and Mrs. Darling, I heard Joseph’s sister has been found. Joseph and I have been meaning to visit, but this is the first chance we’ve had."

"You didn’t need to bring anything. It’s 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, you’re here!"

"We heard Danielle was back, so we thought we’d stop by. We just haven’t 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, you’re 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.