The Work of a Legacy

The Aftermaths: Stelara

A/N- this is not an epilogue. The book will continue after this with the stories of the other women and men affected by what went down, and will go from there. Hope you enjoy!
Love y'all,
Exxie

Dear Chanced contestant,

We apologize greatly for what our show put you through. We assure you that we knew nothing about the mental state of the former Mr. Hank Ryan. As per our agreement, you are entitled to financial compensation. Enclosed is $50,000 for the physical and emotional abuse inflicted on your person.
Remorsefully,
The Chanced Team

"Congratulations, Stelara," my lawyer pats me on the back. "You did it."

I don't waste time celebrating. I feel nothing, anyways. "What about the other women?"

"Excuse me?"

"What about the other women from the show?"

"Well, not all of them applied for a lawsuit," she laughs nervously.

"And the ones who did? Did they get the money?"

She pauses.

"Yes, I believe so."

"Who applied?"

Once again, she hesitates before speaking. "Why don't we get you home. It's been a long couple of months, and we all deserve rest-"

"Why are you being so dodgy?" I snap.

"I know what you're after, Stelara. Ms. Ansley has specifically asked not to see you or any of the contestants."

"I'm not asking to see her," I hiss between my teeth. "I just want to know if she got financial compensation. She's not that well off."

"I'm aware of her situation. Don't worry about her."

"How can you tell me to do that? It's been months since I've seen her. For all I know, she's been living off of the streets. Please. I'm not asking much."

She sighs, putting her head in her manicured hands. "Fine. No, she did not apply for a lawsuit. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other clients to attend to."

I close my eyes, letting out my breath slowly.

Of course she didn't get a lawsuit. Always scared to rock the boat.

"Damnit, Anna," I growl under my breath.

•••

"What do you mean, she didn't apply for a lawyer?"

"Maybe she couldn't afford a lawyer," Orabela offers, forking some oyakodon into her mouth.

"She can," I reply. "She's not that well off, but she could afford a lawyer if she wanted to. It was a choice she made willingly, and it was a stupid one."

George sits silently, contently eating at the end of the table.

"What do you think, George?" I ask.

"Me?" He looks up in surprise.

"Sure. You flew all the way to the states just to visit us, you deserve a part in the conversation. Plus, you're family."

"Family," he repeats, a smile playing on his lips. "You know, I've been here about two weeks and that's the first time you've called me that. You're getting soft now that you're a rich woman."