The morning light streamed through the large windows of the Croft family mansion, casting a warm glow over the spacious living room. Dandelion was sitting at the breakfast table, her fingers gliding over her tablet as she organized her schedule for the day. As the eldest, she often took it upon herself to keep the family in order, balancing work with the responsibility of looking out for her younger siblings.
Across the table, Liam scanned the business section of the newspaper, his brow slightly furrowed. He might not have been the oldest, but he felt a strong sense of duty to protect both Dandelion and Daisy, especially since their father had entrusted him with important aspects of the family business. Despite his gruff exterior, Liam had always been a reliable force, someone his sisters could lean on.
Daisy entered the room, looking much more vibrant than she had in the past. Her transformation hadn’t gone unnoticed by her siblings, and though they were grateful to see her in high spirits, they couldn’t shake the feeling that something fundamental had changed within her. They were used to Daisy’s carefree, rebellious nature, but this newfound focus and maturity seemed foreign.
“Good morning,” Daisy greeted, a smile lighting up her face as she took a seat.
“Good morning, little wolf,” Liam replied, using the affectionate nickname he’d given her. “You seem cheerful.”
Dandelion smiled softly as she poured her sister a cup of coffee. “Are you excited about the new role?”
Daisy’s eyes lit up. “Absolutely. It’s a great opportunity for me. I just want to do everything right this time.” She hesitated, glancing between her siblings. “I know I was a bit of a headache before… thank you both for putting up with me.”
Liam’s expression softened, a rare display of affection. “You’re our sister. There’s nothing you could do that we wouldn’t forgive.”
Dandelion reached over, giving Daisy’s hand a gentle squeeze. “We’re just happy to see you finding your path.”
The siblings shared a moment of quiet understanding, each grateful for the bond they shared. For the first time in years, they felt like they were truly connecting, as if the distance Daisy had once kept between them was finally closing. It was moments like these that reminded Daisy why she couldn’t risk bringing them into the dangerous knowledge she held-about Natalie, and the web of deceit she was weaving.
Meanwhile, across town…
Natalie sat in a dimly lit office, her gaze steely as she faced a tall man with a scar running across his left cheek. The head of the hidden Mafia gang didn’t look pleased.
“We’ve followed through with your requests up until now,” he said, his voice cold and clipped. “But your latest demands are pushing our patience. You seem to forget that we have our own interests to protect.”
Natalie arched an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair. “Are you saying you’re unwilling to help me take down Daisy Croft?”
The man’s eyes narrowed. “Taking down a socialite is one thing. But repeated interference in high-profile affairs is starting to attract attention. Our operations work best in the shadows, Miss Reynolds. If you keep demanding reckless moves, you’ll bring unwanted eyes on us.”
Natalie’s lips curled into a smile. “Oh, don’t worry. Daisy’s fall will be subtle… but I need her removed from the picture entirely. I’ve worked too hard to let some spoiled girl take what’s mine.”
The Mafia leader looked unimpressed. “Just remember that there are limits, Miss Reynolds. Cross them, and you’ll be on your own.”
Natalie forced herself to maintain her cool composure, but her fingers clenched under the table. She wasn’t used to being told no, and the idea that she might lose control over the powerful connections she’d cultivated unnerved her. She had one chance to secure her standing-and if she had to push her associates to the brink to do so, then so be it.
Later that day…
Back at the Croft mansion, Louis arrived to check in on Daisy. Though he tried to keep his visits casual, his worry was clear to anyone who looked closely enough. Since Daisy’s recent accident on set, he hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that something darker was at play.
Daisy greeted him with a soft smile as he stepped into her living room. “Louis, I didn’t expect you.”
He shrugged, trying to mask the concern in his eyes. “Just wanted to see how you were doing. You’ve had a pretty rough week.”
Daisy let out a quiet laugh. “I’m fine, really. Just a little bruised.”
Louis nodded, taking a seat beside her. “I don’t know, Daisy… something feels off about what happened on set. Accidents like that aren’t usually so… calculated.”
Daisy’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression calm. She knew exactly who was behind the accident, but saying anything would only put Louis in more danger. “Maybe I was just unlucky. Besides, the production crew is investigating, right?”
“Yes, but I’ll be keeping an eye out too. I don’t trust anyone else to keep you safe.” His hand found hers, and she could feel the warmth of his touch, steady and reassuring.
Dandelion and Liam entered the room, the sight of Louis holding Daisy’s hand causing Liam to raise an eyebrow.
“I see you’re playing protector again,” Liam teased, his tone light but with an undercurrent of genuine gratitude. Despite his own protective nature, he knew Louis had Daisy’s best interests at heart.
Dandelion chuckled softly. “I suppose we all have to take turns making sure Daisy doesn’t run off into trouble.”
Daisy rolled her eyes, laughing. “You’re all acting like I’m a child!”
Louis gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Just know that you’re not alone in this, Daisy. Whatever challenges come your way… we’re here.”
She looked around the room at the faces of her family and the man she loved, feeling a pang of guilt that she couldn’t tell them the whole truth. Natalie was a threat-she knew that better than anyone-but revealing it would only draw them into a world they weren’t prepared to face.
As they all settled in for a rare, lighthearted evening together, Daisy felt a strange mix of warmth and apprehension. She was surrounded by people who loved her, yet she was fighting a hidden battle alone. For now, she would protect them in silence, keeping her suspicions and fears close to her chest.
But she couldn’t shake the feeling that the storm brewing around her was only getting darker-and that soon, keeping her family safe might come at an even greater risk.