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

accuse Meryl in front of

seemed Lydia was trying to use this situation to frame

laughter at the

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

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

saw you add something to it. I swear I'm not

a

and whispers began

family issues should be handled privately. Publicizing them

unease, gave her a reassuring smile.

She wouldn't make the same mistake again. I trust she is

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

a mark that could

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

attempt to backtrack only

it clear to everyone

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 and upset, apologizing to