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 expression hardened. "Still up to

accuse Meryl in front of everyone, Meryl

Lydia was trying to use this situation to

at the absurdity, spoke

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

but I was just looking for something to eat,

"But I saw you add

a crusader standing up to

began to circulate

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

unease, gave her a reassuring smile. "Mom,

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

a stir as the guests had

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

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

her attempt to backtrack only

discomfort made it clear to everyone

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 and upset, apologizing to