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

accuse Meryl in front of everyone, Meryl knew

to use this

been holding back laughter at the absurdity,

glanced at the drink in the decanter. Lydia had a special preference for white wine,

just looking for something to eat, not to

maid persisted, "But I saw you add

was almost theatrical, like a crusader standing

began

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

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

years in prison. She wouldn't make

guests had been led

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

to cover it, her face full of guilt. "I

attempt to backtrack only

to everyone that

"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