Daisy's Code Novel by Amelia Bennett

“Halt! Step through that door, and we’re finished.” Elden’s voice echoed through the Wilder mansion, his words a command that rang with finality.

Daisy’s only response was a dismissive laugh. “Like I need you.” She continued her painful journey outside, her figure vanishing from the mansion in a matter of moments.

Alone and regretful, Daisy muttered to herself, “I should’ve waited till my ankle was better. What a mess I’m in now.”

The phone call from Rose came as a surprise, her voice carrying both warmth and authority. “Daisy, I’ve heard you’ve left the family. Your father will be there to pick you up. You’ll return with him, won’t you?”

Rose’s voice broke through Daisy’s tough facade. With a childlike vulnerability, Daisy pleaded, “Grandma, can’t I just be with you? I don’t want to live with them. You’re all I have left.”

Rose’s reply was firm and unyielding. “Daisy! I won’t entertain such talk.”

The call ended, leaving Daisy feeling more alone than ever. Tears brimmed in her eyes. She didn’t want to return to the Wilder family, but she also didn’t want to let Rose down. But she didn’t know how to face going back.

As Daisy stood, lost in her thoughts, Elden appeared, his presence unnoticed until he took the suitcase from her hand with a determined grip. “Daisy, you’re coming back with me.”

Elden’s earlier anger had been replaced by a cool resolve. After a heated exchange with Fiona, he had set out to find Daisy, not for her sake, but to protect the family’s reputation and the Lindsey Group’s interests.

Daisy tried to refuse. “I-”

Without giving Daisy a chance to finish, Elden guided her back towards the mansion.

“No more discussion. I won’t meddle in your affairs. Just stay out of trouble, and we’ll get along fine.” He hesitated, then continued with a grudging offer, “As long as you drop this talk of severing ties, I can act like you’re my daughter.”

Daisy’s smile was tinged with sarcasm. She understood Elden’s offer all too well.

“Alright,” she agreed, though she was already plotting how to prove to Rose that she and Elden were better off as strangers.

Laura’s heart sank as Daisy returned home. She’d been raised with the unspoken promise that the family’s wealth and prestige were her birthright.

But everything changed the day Elden took that life-altering phone call, his priorities. shifting to include Daisy in ways that left Laura feeling sidelined.

Bristling with resentment, she retreated to her room, the door slamming shut on her world of make-believe.

Daisy, the newcomer, claimed the guest room as her temporary refuge. After a day of upheaval, she found solace in sleep, her body relaxing into the welcoming embrace of her bed.

Her body’s natural alarm clock roused Daisy before the sun had fully risen. Refreshed from a quick shower, she slung her backpack over her shoulder and set off at a brisk pace for the bus station.

The school grounds were still quiet as she arrived, the morning air crisp and inviting.

With time to spare, Daisy decided to explore the nearby snack street for breakfast. Just as she passed by the convenience store, she heard her name.

“Daisy, you’re here early,” Lance greeted and said, his voice carrying a tone of friendly surprise.

“Couldn’t stay in bed, I guess,” Daisy replied, turning to face him with an easy smile. She closed the gap between them, her wave casual and unforced.

Lance’s chuckle was warm and genuine. “In that case, would you join me for an early breakfast?” he offered, indicating the table laden with an assortment of breakfast dishes.

Daisy took in the spread, a silent ‘wow’ escaping her lips. She thought, ‘Narston knows how to start the day right. I would’ve been fine with just cereal at home!’

“I’d love to,” she agreed, sliding into a seat across from Lance without a moment’s hesitation, her body language open and at ease.

Harley was ready to confront the person who’d taken over his usual breakfast spot at the convenience store when his phone buzzed with a text from Lance.

[Hold off. Exit through the back and eat out,] Lance’s message said.

Harley rolled his eyes, grumbling, “Lance used to be the ice king, making the rest of us behave. Now he’s got a crush, and we’re all just spectators in his love story.”

Toure that what happens when you kill Boone, Harley continued, shaking his Lane unware I need Haley’s complainie was as bony enjoying this breakfast with Daisy whelbed appsing the meat in front them

As the morning rush began, shadenes flocked to the convenience store. The sight of the bouwful breakfast attracted more than a few girls hoping to share the meal with the store’s handsome owner. But they were all deglined, even those willing to pay for the chance.

Laura learned about Daisy’s breakfast with the store owner.

While collecting homework, she teased Daisy “Heard you had quite the morning. The store owner is supposed to be a catch. Did he live up to the hype? And I heard he turned many hearts down.”

Her words sparked curiosity among the girls. Rumors had been flying, but this was the first they’d heard from someone close to the situation.

After this, the glances Daisy received were tinged with envy. Some even made smide remarks, but Daisy remained unfazed, unaware of the storm brewing.

At Narston High, gossip was the main source of entertainment. It didn’t take long for word to spread that the store owner seemed to favor Daisy, which stirred up jealousy among her peers.

Daisy preferred to head home after school rather than stay for the optional evening study session. She walked alone, opting for the quieter, wooded paths that cut her journey short. Unbeknownst to her, these choices made her an easier target for those harboring ill will.

Despite her sweet appearance, Daisy was far from helpless. When she sensed

movement behind her, she didn’t panic, she was eager. “Come out, already,” she called out, her eyes bright with anticipation.

A few girls, hesitating at first, stepped forward.

Daisy’s disappointment was clear. “That’s it? I was hoping for a real challenge,” she said, her tone laced with mock disappointment.

One of the girls retorted, “What? Think you’re too good for us? We’ve got you quinumbered.”

But the girls who’d come to teach Daisy a lesson quickly found themselves outmatched.

Within minutes, they were no match for her, and none were left standing.