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."

her expression hardened. "Still up

front of everyone, Meryl

was trying to use this

had been holding back laughter at the absurdity, spoke up. "It wasn't

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

was just looking for something to eat, not to mess

saw you add

like a crusader

whispers began to circulate

anxious to keep the matter contained, knowing that family issues should be handled privately.

her a reassuring smile. "Mom, I

wouldn't make the same mistake again. I

a stir as the guests had been

a serious blemish, a mark that could affect one's reputation

slipped up and 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

to backtrack only made

everyone that there was some truth to

a special gift for you. Want to see it?" Meanwhile, the noise from downstairs reached Dalton, who came down to