Chapter 6

Stella POV

The day after Claire moved in, my life became living hell.

She took complete control of my food, clothing, and daily life.

My constitution was special, with many dietary restrictions. But in Claire's eyes, these were all "delicate" psychological issues.

With a wave of her hand, she eliminated all the special meals the kitchen had been preparing for me.

So that evening's dinner table was filled with foods I didn't like and that would even trigger allergies.

Seafood, bread with gluten, peanut butter salad... while foods I could safely eat were scarce.

I took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to flip the table.

Less than twenty days remained before I'd leave forever anyway. I didn't want any more conflicts with this crazy woman.

I'd just consider it a diet.

Seeing me only move my fork a few times and drink a few sips of water, Claire curved her lips and asked with feigned concern, "Ms. Everhart, is it not to your taste? I see you've hardly eaten."

My expression was cold. "No appetite."

Claire's eyes instantly reddened as she looked at Adrian. "Adrian, is it because I didn't do well enough? I know Ms. Everhart has issues with me, but she can't just joke around with her health. If my presence affects Ms. Everhart's appetite, then from now on I'll eat in the kitchen with the servants."

As she spoke, she made a show of getting up to take her plate.

Adrian grabbed her hand. "What are you doing? You're an honored guest I invited, the family doctor. How can you eat in the servants' quarters? Stay right here!"

Claire looked at me with difficulty. "But..."

Adrian looked at me coldly. "Stella Everhart, there's a limit to throwing tantrums. Claire stayed up several nights working on your treatment plan. She carefully selected all these ingredients. If you won't appreciate it, fine, but who are you putting on this act for?"

I didn't respond, just put down my napkin and wiped my mouth. "I'm full. You two enjoy."

I got up to leave.

As I passed Adrian, he suddenly grabbed my wrist, his grip alarmingly strong. "Stella Everhart! I'm talking to you! Where are your manners?"

Sharp pain shot through my wrist. I frowned and shook off his hand, looking at the red marks rapidly forming on my wrist.

"You call this dinner?" I pointed at the table. "Look at this spread yourself. Which of these dishes can I actually eat? I'm allergic to seafood and peanuts. Did you forget?"

Adrian froze for a moment, then his expression softened, seemingly showing a trace of guilt.

But Claire immediately said softly from the side, "Adrian, this is part of the desensitization therapy. Food tolerance training is very important too. Ms. Everhart's allergies are often caused by psychological suggestion."

The guilt in Adrian's eyes instantly vanished.

He became firm again. "Stella, Claire is right. This is a psychological issue. Once you slowly accept it, your body will adapt."

"If you don't want to eat, then go hungry."

He coldly ordered the butler, "Without my permission, the kitchen is not to prepare any special meals for Miss. All food in the house must be inspected by Dr. Hayes. After a few days of hunger, she'll learn to give in."

Heat rushed to my eyes.

I said nothing, just turned and left, not wanting them to see the tears in my eyes.