Daisy's Code Novel by Amelia Bennett
Chapter 4

Fiona’s brows furrowed as she glanced at Daisy. “You sure you’re up for the challenge at Narston High? If it’s too much, just let us know. We can switch you to a different school.”

Daisy’s reply was a confident nod. “I’m ready for it.”

“You-” Despite her words, Fiona’s irritation was evident.

Daisy, unfazed, pushed back her chair, reached for a napkin, and wiped her mouth. “I’m good,” she announced, then made her way upstairs, leaving the rest of the family at the table.

In the living room, Fiona was still fuming. “Elden, look at this. She’s so disrespectful. If she ends up in the same class as Laura, people will talk.”

Laura’s eyes flickered with mockery, but she spoke softly, “Mom, don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine.”

Elden sighed, his feelings for his own daughter a complex blend of responsibility and disappointment. He reassured Laura and said, “You’re taking the heat for this, and I appreciate it. If Daisy ever causes you trouble, I won’t let it affect you.”

Laura smiled sweetly, “I know, Dad. I trust you.”

*****

Daisy strolled down the stairs, her backpack slung over her shoulder, just as the morning rush was kicking off.

Fiona and Laura were already done with breakfast, gearing up for the day without any sign of waiting for Daisy.

Fiona took one look at Daisy’s plain T-shirt and jeans and her face pinched. “What’s the story with that outfit? Where are the clothes I set aside for you?” she asked, her tone sharp.

Daisy didn’t even glance Fiona’s way, just kept moving, heading straight for the door, ready to get going.

“Daisy, we’ve got a car service ready…” Laura called out, trying to get Daisy’s attention, but Daisy was already out of earshot.

The housekeeper, looking a bit sheepish, stepped in with the new clothes from the day before. “Mrs. Wilder, I found these in the trash when I was cleaning Daisy’s room,” she said, a little embarrassed.

“She… She…” Fiona was about to blow her top

EX

But Laura jumped in, “Chill, Mom. She probably didn’t groove on the style. I’ll take her shopping after school; let her replace something she digs.”

Fiona’s anger deflated, replaced by a smile as she looked at Laura. She was grateful for the mix-up, giving her a daughter who was not only obedient and smart but also incredibly talented.

Daisy pushed open the grand doors of the Wilder mansion and stepped into the morning light. She glanced around, pausing for a moment before she started her casual stroll down the hill.

Just a few strides in, a sleek, understated black car caught her eye, parked at the curb. The driver’s window hummed down, and out popped a familiar, well-defined arm, offering a casual wave.

With a small smile, Daisy approached, pulled open the passenger door, and sank into the seat with an air of belonging.

“Miss me not calling the moment I hit Narston?” Shawn Carter, the driver, quipped, his voice resonant and clear, the kind that could easily replace a home in any playlist of popular tunes.

Daisy rolled her eyes playfully.

Shawn was the picture of casual cool-eighteen, maybe nineteen, sporting high-end clothes that looked effortlessly thrown on. His features were tanned and bright, his eyes sparkling with mischief that only certain teenage charm could carry. His hair, a bold streak of purple, defied convention, yet on him, it just worked.

Daisy shook her head, resigned. He’d been using his charm as a get-out-of-jail-free card since they were kids, and apparently, some things never changed.

“Only you made the cut,” Daisy replied, her voice a mix of velvet and ice as she clicked her seatbelt into place.

Shawn grinned, clearly pleased, and fired up the engine. “You’re really heading to Narston High? My school’s got it beat, but it’s private. They don’t usually take new students, but a talent like you? The principal would roll out the red carpet.”

“Really?” Daisy asked, one brow arched in doubt. “Then why didn’t Laura go there? The Wilder family could easily afford a private education.”

Shawn let out a dismissive huff. “The Wilder family? They’re not exactly top tier.”

He paused, suddenly remembering, and backpedaled quickly. “Oh, right, sorry. Didn’t mean to speak out of turn. The Wilder family… they’re doing alright, I guess.”

Daisy didn’t bite. She didn’t care much for the social ladder or how the Wilder family fit on it.

“How’s Bruce?” she asked, steering the conversation to friendlier ground.

“My father? Fit as a fiddle, Shawn said with a chuckle. “He’s been itching for me to bring you over since he heard you were back. He’s even more excited now.”

‘I’ll make sure to drop by once I get the school thing sorted, Daisy promised, her tone warmer now.

Back when Daisy lived in the quiet countryside with Rose, Bruce and Shawn were more than just neighbor-they were family. And in her book, that counted for more than any blood relation

“Perfect!” Shawn exclaimed. “Because next week is his birthday. If you show up, you’ll make his day.”

Fiona stewed in the backseat, her frustration with Daisy still smoldering. ‘She just took off without a backward glance! Narston High a maze-how’s she gonna navigate it alone! Your dad had to practically beg to get her in. If she’s late, it’ll be a PR nightmare.*

Laura gazed out the window, her brow furrowed. “The bus stop’s a hike from our place. She can’t have made it down the hill yet… Maybe someone gave her a lift?

Her words hung in the air when she spotted a sleek black car up ahead. “Hey, isn’t that Bruce Carter’s ride?

Fiona craned her neck, her expression morphing from surprise to curiosity. “What’s Bruce doing slumming it in our hood?”

In Narston, the Wilder family was royalty, but the Carter family were the crown princes of the capital Aerithia’s elite. The Wilder family was just small-timers next to them.

Laura, as the Wilder family golden girl, knew the ropes of rubbing elbows with the upper crust. The Carter family was at the top of her list.

Seeing a Carter car in their territory, with Daisy gone, made her stomach drop. “Daisy didn’t hitch a ride with Bruce, did she?”

Fiona snorted, “Please. Bruce wouldn’t give her the time of day.”

Laura shook her head, chuckling at her own paranoia. “Guess I’m letting my imagination run wild. So, is Dad getting us into Bruce’s birthday bash next week?”

“He’s pulling some strings,” Fiona said, smoothing Laura’s hair with a proud smile. “And when we go, you’ll be the center of attention. Bruce’s son is around your age. You’ll have him wrapped around your little finger.”

“Mom, come on,” Laura said, her cheeks flushing as she rolled her eyes.