Forsaken Daughter Pampered by Top Hier

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

When Ella thought about Allison, one thing came to mind.

+23)

She took a bite of her food, then said, “Last time we talked, Allison mentioned a new FDA–approved weight loss drug at the hospital. Wanna check it out with me tomorrow?”

Stephanie paused, soda halfway to her lips.

The words “weight loss” made her set the cup down, then glance at Ella.

She raised an eyebrow. “Why are you interested in that?”

Ella wasn’t overweight. In fact, she had a great figure, even though she ate like it was her job.

Ella sighed and shrugged. “It’s for my cousin. He’s already at 200 pounds. He’s tried everything to lose weight, but nothing’s working. It’s really starting to get to him.”

Stephanie nodded, her expression softening. “Got it,” she said, grabbing her soda again.

Stephanie’s motto was “carpe diem.” She thought people shouldn’t get too hung up on their looks, especially with stuff like dieting.

Once you start obsessing over weight, nothing else is fun. All you think about is what you can’t eat.

And it’s so easy to fall into a cycle of self–blame and end up hating yourself even more.

After they finished eating, the two women said their goodbyes and headed off in different directions.

Stephanie got home to a mess of things piled up on the couch–stuff she had meant to clean but hadn’t gotten to. Her mood soured.

She dropped her bag, then flopped down next to the clutter.

Reaching into one of the shopping bags, she pulled out a receipt, her gaze lingering on the payment details. She felt a bit lost in it.

looked down and saw it was

why someone from

hung up without answering.

few seconds later, Chad’s number flashed on her screen. She didn’t bother picking it up

*****

noticed Stephanie wasn’t answering her calls. His

I tell you to have Olivia keep her distance

“This time, it’s really not Olivia’s fault.

how to explain. She stayed

phone, eyes narrowing at a trending photo–Chris and Olivia at

internet.

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Mon, 3 Mar

Chapter 12

under his breath, “Chris is her sister’s fiancé! Why the hell was he taking

tell she had some part to play in this, but she didn’t know how to defend herself, so she kept

for experts to help her. Why the bell is she still staying

about it,

years ago, when the Ashford family had tried to break off Olivia’s engagement because she was adopted, Chad had been furious. But he understood

with Stephanie, Chad was convinced Chris needed to stay far away

Olivia. “Olivia’s in a really bad place right now. I just wanted to cheer her up. You

Are you seriously bringing up their bond

jaw clenched as he stared

made Catlin fall silent.

and Stephanie shouldn’t be anywhere near each other. But things were never

the secretary standing nearby. “Pull the car over.”

to leave, Catlin checked the time. “Where are you going at this

even glancing at her, Chad replied,

twice–he was

quickly added, “I’ll go

missing a beat. “No need. If