Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Chapter 5 Framing Her Again

"What?"

Lydia looked up, startled. "What do you mean?"

The maid glanced at Meryl. "I saw Ms. Stone go into the kitchen and put something in your drink. It looked like a drug."

Several faces turned pale as the maid's words sank in.

Everyone in the Stone family remembered the kidnapping incident three years ago. Lydia had been taken after drinking a spiked beverage. Hearing that it might be happening again made Lydia's face go white, and her hand shook, causing her wine glass to shatter on the floor.

The crash of the glass drew attention from the crowd, who now looked over curiously.

Lydia, with red-rimmed eyes, turned to Bianca. "Mom...

"I'm so scared..."

Bianca, realizing what Lydia feared, quickly comforted her. "Don't be afraid. It's all in the past."

towards Meryl, her expression

in front of

Lydia was trying to use this

at the absurdity, spoke up.

drink in the decanter. Lydia had a special preference for white wine, which had been prepared just for her. It was clear

go to the kitchen, but I was just looking for something

persisted, "But I saw you add something to it. I swear I'm

maid's certainty was almost theatrical, like a crusader standing up to

and whispers began

that family issues

a reassuring smile.

three years in prison. She wouldn't make the same mistake again. I trust

a stir as the guests had been led to believe that

that could affect one's reputation and even that of their family

quickly tried to cover it, her face full of guilt. "I was just drunk and rambling. Don't take it seriously. How could my sister have ever been to

backtrack only

to everyone that there was some truth to

from abroad, have you adjusted to the time difference? Today is our birthday, and I've got a special gift for you.