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.

it was a call from

from

hung up without answering.

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

*****

Hart family home, Chad noticed Stephanie wasn’t answering her calls. His jaw tightened.

irritation creeping into his voice. “Didn’t I tell you to have Olivia keep her distance from her?

time, it’s really

to explain. She

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

internet.

1/3

Mon, 3 Mar

Chapter 12

is her sister’s fiancé! Why the hell was he taking

could tell she had some part to play in this, but she didn’t know how to

experts to help her. Why the

more he thought about it,

Olivia’s engagement because she was adopted, Chad had been furious. But he understood the Ashfords‘

Chris was with Stephanie, Chad was convinced Chris

cheer her up. You know, she and Chris have been friends since middle

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

expression twisted with anger, his jaw clenched as he

words made Catlin fall

anywhere near each other. But things were never as

the secretary standing nearby.

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

her, Chad replied, “Cloudridge Valley.”

think twice–he was going

“I’ll go with

without missing a beat. “No need. If you go, you’ll just end