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 gaze towards Meryl, her expression hardened. "Still up to your

Meryl in front of everyone, Meryl knew exactly what

was trying to use this situation to

had been holding back laughter at the absurdity, spoke

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

but I was just looking for something

you add something to it. I

certainty was almost theatrical, like a crusader standing up

and whispers began to circulate

the matter contained, knowing that family issues should be

her mother's unease, gave her a reassuring smile. "Mom, I think there's

prison. She wouldn't make the same mistake

a stir as the guests had been led to believe

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

slipped up and quickly tried to cover it, her face full of guilt. "I was just drunk and rambling.

to backtrack only

discomfort made it clear to everyone that there was some

is our birthday, and I've got a special gift for you. Want to see it?" Meanwhile, the noise from downstairs