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

accuse Meryl in front of everyone, Meryl

use this situation to

holding back laughter at the absurdity, spoke up. "It

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

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

you add something to

almost theatrical, like a

and whispers began

matter contained, knowing that family issues should be handled privately.

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

years in prison. She wouldn't make

guests had been led to believe that Meryl was studying

mention of prison was a serious blemish, a mark that could affect one's reputation and even that of their family for generations. The room buzzed with

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

attempt to backtrack only made

it clear to everyone that there was some truth to

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