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.

saw it was a call

from the Hart family was

up without

her screen. She didn’t bother picking it up either.

*****

noticed Stephanie

“Didn’t I tell you to have Olivia keep her

was clear. “This time, it’s really not Olivia’s fault. She… well, never mind.”

to explain. She stayed quiet.

checked his phone, eyes narrowing at a trending photo–Chris and Olivia at the hospital, plastered all over

internet.

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Mon, 3 Mar

Chapter 12

Why the hell was he taking her to the hospital alone? What

to play in this, but she didn’t

arranged for experts to help her. Why the bell is she still staying with Chris?”

it,

when the Ashford family had tried to break off Olivia’s engagement because she was adopted,

Chris and Olivia were done and Chris was with Stephanie, Chad was convinced Chris needed to stay far away from

place right now. I just wanted to cheer her up. You know, she and Chris have been friends since middle school. They’ve got this

Are you seriously bringing up their bond right now? Do you think that’s appropriate?”

expression twisted with anger, his jaw

made Catlin

got what he meant–right now, Olivia and Stephanie shouldn’t be anywhere near each other. But things were never as simple as that.

secretary standing nearby. “Pull the car

going to leave, Catlin checked the time. “Where

her, Chad replied,

think twice–he was

added, “I’ll go with

shot her down without missing a beat. “No need. If you go,