Page 27 of Isabella and the Slipper

Savannah giggled. “Well, I hope you get your painting back.”

“Thanks.”

“Good night, Isabella.”

“Night.”

She hung up and set her phone down on her desk.

What was going on? Why would her stepmother take her painting? It didn’t make any sense. Maybe she hid it because it reminded her of her father’s paintings?

Elenore, even though she was horrible, really did love her father when they married. Isabella could tell by the way she looked at him. Her father had fallen hard for Elenore as well. It was possible the pain of losing him so quickly after finding him was what made Elenore grow cold.

Elenore hadn’t always been rich. In fact, before she married Isabella’s father, she was almost destitute, trying to sell her paintings when no one would buy them. She constantly pestered Ava and Delilah to date the wealthy boys so she would know her daughters wouldn’t end up on the streets with no means of support. Delilah took it to heart and had been running after Chase ever since he landed his first movie role.

And that was why Isabella couldn’t ever date Chase. If Elenore found out, she would be livid.

Chapter 8

Isabella’s heart stuttered when Chase walked into Mr.Morgan’s class. He slid into his seat and turned toward her. “Hey.”

“Hi.” Did that embarrassing squeak have to enter her voice?

Chase didn’t seem to notice. “You wanna come over after work tonight? We can put the engine together.”

Her mouth grew dry, and she swallowed. Why did he have to be so handsome? She stared at his Adam’s apple. “Sure.”

He grinned, his dimple showing. “Great.”

He turned back around, and Mr.Morgan started the class. Isabella tried to concentrate, but she couldn’t stop staring at the back of Chase’s head. Her stomach fluttered.

The class dragged on even though Mr.Morgan was her favorite teacher. She just wasn’t interested in physics today. Chemistry was on her brain. The bell rang, and she stood.

Chase turned around. “You want a ride home?”

Wouldn’t that be good? Delilah watching her getting in Chase’s car. She shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”

“Do you get a ride with your sisters?” He still looked like he didn’t quite believe that she was related to Delilah and Ava.

“No. I walk.”

Other students maneuvered around them. He huffed. “Why doesn’t Delilah give you a ride? She always has Ava with her. You shouldn’t have to walk.”

Isabella bit her lip, unable to think of a great way to put her situation into words. Finally, she said, “We don’t exactly get along.”

He frowned. “Then I’ll give you a ride. Come on.” He picked up her backpack and slung it over his shoulder with his own, then started to leave.

She had no choice other than to follow him down the hallway. Her legs felt wobbly as she walked.

Was she really going to get in Chase’s car, here at school, where everyone could see her?

He held the door open for her, and they walked to the parking lot. Isabella prayed her stepsisters wouldn’t be around.

Chase opened the car door for her, too, and she slid into the seat. She peeked back at the school, fearing Delilah would come out at any second.

Chase climbed in and started the engine. “What are you looking at?”

There was no sign of her stepsisters. “Nothing,” she said, feeling a little better.

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