Daisy's Code Novel by Amelia Bennett

Daisy glanced at the contracts with a tinge of disappointment, already suspecting that things wouldn’t wrap up so neatly. She hauled her suitcase, following Fiona up the stairs.

“I’m with you, Daisy,” Laura chimed in, not wanting to be left out.

Elden had been honest; Rose had reached out a month prior. He felt indifferent about this daughter he’d never known-no love, no dislike. If she was coming, he made sure the accommodations were ready. But he hadn’t expected her to be so bold, quite the opposite of the timidity he’d imagined from a country girl in the city.

Fiona led the way to the third floor, swinging open a bedroom door to reveal a room drenched in soft pinks, a quintessential girl’s haven.

“I wasn’t sure about your style, so I decorated it like Laura’s,” Fiona said, her tone as plain as the walls were colorful. “You’re the same age; figured you’d like the same things.”

Daisy’s smile was more of a wince. The room was too princess-y for her, all fluff and no substance. A phone call could’ve settled this in a jiffy.

“Nah, I’ll take the guest room,” Daisy said, nodding towards the simpler room.

Fiona’s patience snapped. “You’re really not making this simple, are you?”

She thought to herself, ‘What is this about? So she comes from the country and thinks she’s too good for us?”

Laura stepped în, trying to smooth things over. “Daisy, don’t get mad. Mom’s just trying to make you feel at home. If you don’t like it, we can redecorate tomorrow.”

“No, it’s cool,” Daisy replied, her brow furrowing. “I just like the guest room better.”

“Daisy…” Laura started, biting her lip, unsure of what to say next.

Fiona wasn’t having it. “Enough, Laura. Let her stay where she wants.”

She shook her head, clearly frustrated. ‘Can’t appreciate the effort. Thinks we’re out to get her? Ridiculous.”

Laura let herself be led away, casting a glance back at Daisy that was a mix of sympathy and a touch of triumph.

Daisy didn’t return the look, just pushed open the door to the guest room and stepped inside, shutting the door on the drama.

Elden raised an eyebrow as Fiona descended the staircase. “Why didn’t you give Daisy the grand tour?” he inquired, his tone a mix of surprise and concern.

Fiona rolled her eyes, frustration seeping through. “Why take her in? What’s the point? She’s got this air about her like we’re all in her bad books. Who is she trying to impress?”

Elden shook his head, his voice taking on a somber tone. “Don’t underestimate her. If we sign that disaffiliation agreements and it hits the news, it could tarnish the Wilder name. Our business can’t afford a scandal.”

The Wilder family’s reputation was on the line. Their long-lost daughter had just been found, and the idea of cutting her off immediately could spell disaster for their public image. A scandal like that could rock the stock market.

Laura tried to smooth things over. “Mom, Daisy’s just finding her feet. Give her some time and she’ll come around.”

Elden studied Laura, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Though Laura wasn’t his natural daughter, she had got more heart than any blood relative could ever have.

He then turned his attention to Laura’s schedule. “Your violin lesson is coming up, isn’t it? Get yourself ready.”

Laura nodded. Usually, the staff would drive her there.

Fiona, who didn’t want to stay with Daisy, however, had other plans today. “I’ll take Laura. The staff can show Daisy the ropes here.”

Elden didn’t put up a fight and just gave a nod. “Alright, sounds like a plan.”

Daisy chucked her suitcase down and whipped out her phone to call Rose, but it went to voicemail, just as she’d expected. With a resigned sigh, she pulled out her laptop and powered it up.

The screen had barely lit up when the door burst open. Mary breezed in, giving Daisy and her laptop a quick once-over. “Ms. Daisy Wilder, the Wilder mansion is huge. You could get lost in a blink. Unless it’s something important, try to stay put.”

Daisy’s fingers flew over the keyboard, completely tuned out to Mary’s comment.

After a beat, Mary, seeing she was being ignored, let out a huff of disapproval and left the room.

As soon as the door closed, Daisy tapped her keyboard, and a video call popped up. A guy with a killer smile and a tw**kle in his eye appeared, looking all charming and mischievous.

He let out a playful whist his voice smooth as silk. “What’s the story? Someone actually had the guts to talk down to you? Did your usual crowd lose their edge, or have you gone all soft on others?*

Daisy wasn’t taking the bait. “How’s the business doing?”

“Killing it. Revenues s**ed thirty percent last month,” he said, a smug grin spreading across his face. “So, are you coming to me? I’ve got a sick villa waiting for you.”

“Not yet,” Daisy replied, “Got some loose ends to tie up.”

His interest piqued, he pressed, “What’s cooking?”

But Daisy wasn’t giving up any details. “That’s all for now. We’ll talk more over the phone.”

She then ended the call, cutting off his protests.

Daisy closed her laptop, resting her chin on her hand as she pondered, ‘With my connections, finding Grandma would be no sweat. And if I tell Grandma the truth, she wouldn’t insist on me getting cozy with the Wilder family.

‘Still, going down that road would only make Grandma feel guilty for pushing me into this family reunion. It’s a well-meaning push, and I’m not about to hurt those feelings.

Considering the situation, cutting ties would be the cleanest move, but with Elden’s resistance, Daisy knew she’d have to play it cool.

In a flash, Daisy’s mind raced through a bunch of options, weighing each before settling on a plan.

*****

At dinner, Elden Wilder made an announcement, his tone carrying the weight of a decision already made. “Daisy, you’re joining Narston High as a senior this year, same as Laura. I’ve spoken to the principal, so you’ll be in the same class. Laura’s your go-to if you need anything.”

Daisy kept her head down, her fork pushing around the food on her plate, not offering a word.

Fiona’s frustration was evident as she tossed her napkin onto the table. “Daisy, are you even listening? Your old life doesn’t matter here. But now that you’re at Laura’s school, you need to get with the program. I’m not expecting you to be a star student, but don’t you go making trouble for Laura.”

Daisy finally looked up, a smirk playing on her lips.

It was a smile that said volumes, but Fiona was too upset to read between the lines.