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."

Meryl, her expression hardened. "Still

Meryl in front of

Lydia was trying to use this situation to frame

holding back laughter at the absurdity, spoke

had a special preference for white wine, which had been prepared

did go to the kitchen, but I was just looking for something to eat, not to mess with

saw you add something to it.

was almost theatrical, like a crusader

and whispers began to circulate among

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

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

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

a stir as the guests had been led to believe

high-society circles, the 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

guilt. "I was just drunk and rambling. Don't take

backtrack only

it clear to everyone that there was some

have you adjusted to the time difference? Today is our birthday, and I've got a special