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

in front of everyone, Meryl knew

to use this situation

laughter at

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

go to the kitchen, but I was just looking

maid persisted, "But I saw you add something to it. I

like a crusader standing up to a

began to circulate

the matter contained, knowing that family issues

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

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

a stir as the guests had been led to believe that Meryl was

mention of prison was a serious blemish, a mark that could affect one's

guilt. "I was just drunk and rambling. Don't take it seriously. How could my sister

attempt to backtrack

obvious discomfort made it clear to everyone that

fix the situation, Lydia said, "Meryl, since you've just come back from abroad, have you adjusted to the time difference? Today is our birthday, and I've got a special gift for you. Want to see it?" Meanwhile, the noise from downstairs reached Dalton, who came down to find Lydia looking fragile