?Chapter 1081:


    The woman’s desperate gaze lingered on Ste, as if she wanted to plead. But when she noticed Ste’s attention shift away, she lowered her head and hurried out.


    Once they were alone, Ste leaned back in her chair. “She’s the closest match we’ve found so far.”


    She had been searching for a stand-in, knowing the Carter family would never turn Nina over. Nina was scheming again, and Ste was tired of ying defense. A stand-in was her best option.


    Sharon rubbed the bridge of her nose, frowning. “She’s clearly heavier than you.”


    The difference was obvious. Anyone could see it.


    Ste’s jaw tightened. Weight was a problem.


    “Sharon, I’m running out of time,” Ste said, her voice tight with urgency. “Nina could make her move at any second. The forum is in ten days, and I’m certain she’ll try something then. We’ve been at this for days, and hardly anyone is showing up for interviews now.”


    Sharon leaned forward, unfazed. “Then sweeten the deal. Someone’s bound to bite.”


    Money spoke.


    Ste shook her head, letting out a heavy breath. “It’s not just about money. Finding even one person who vaguely looks like me out of ten is already a win. This approach is too slow.”


    Unable to think of another solution, Ste stood and said she needed to go to the restroom.


    As she stepped into the hallway, she nearly bumped into the woman from earlier, who was still lingering by the door.


    The woman was clearly waiting for Ste toe out.


    The woman rushed forward and grabbed her arm the moment she saw her. “I can lose weight, Miss. Just give me a week. I promise I’ll get down to your weight. You have to trust me. I really, really need this money!”


    Ste hadn’t expected the woman’s eyes to burn with that kind of determination. For a moment, she was caught off guard, her heartbeat skipping slightly.


    “Do you understand what this job means?” she asked quietly. “You could lose your life doing it.”


    ying someone’s double was no game.


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    But the woman nodded without hesitation, her gaze steady. “Yes. And I’m not afraid.”


    Maybe it was that conviction, or something in the way she said it, that moved Ste. After a long pause, she finally said, “Five days. I’ll give you five days. If you can get down to one hundred and ten pounds by then, I’ll take you. If not, I’ll find someone else.”


    The woman’s face lit up instantly. “Okay! I can do it. I promise I won’t let you down!”


    She gave Ste a grateful nod, as if Ste had handed her a miracle.


    Something in Ste’s chest softened. She pulled out a card and slid it across the table. “Call me when you hit the target. And don’t tell anyone about this, not even your friends or family. If word gets out, you won’t get a single dime. Understand?”


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