Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Chapter 17 Knowing Her Well

Meryl lowered her eyes and said firmly, "I won't marry him."

In her most helpless moments, Dalton had once been a beacon of hope, a light that brightened her life.

Because of that, she had believed in him all these years.

No matter how many times he hurt her, just recalling the scarf he threw to her outside the bathroom that day would make her forgive him.

She had kept compromising, forgetting that people could change and that light could shine on someone else.

Anne sighed with relief. "I'm glad you see it now. You were too fixated on him before."

She gently touched the scar on Meryl's ankle, her voice filled with guilt. "I'm sorry, Meryl. I couldn't protect you." Meryl shook her head.

During that time, the Blanchett family was in chaos, and Anne had broken her leg in a performance accident. She had her own troubles, and Meryl understood.

They got so absorbed in their conversation that Walter quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.

He headed to the parking lot where Chandler was sitting in the car, smoking.

Seeing Walter approach, Chandler raised an eyebrow. "How did it go?"

"Ms. Stone was pretty surprised. Doesn't seem like she's up for a quick marriage," Walter said honestly.

Chandler stretched his legs, leaning back in his seat with a slight smile. "I figured as much."

He knew Meryl wouldn't agree to something so sudden without a strong reason.

This thought deepened his gaze.

window, thin

glancing cautiously at Chandler before speaking, "Sir, maybe you should just tell her who you really

she marries you, she'll

have to respect her, and she'd be safe from anyone trying to harm

If I were her, I'd consider

excited as he spoke, almost saying

himself and wiped his

slightly. "Interesting

the back of his

tone. "But you

blinked, puzzled. "What do

identity might scare her off, so he couldn't risk that. Chandler played with the lighter in his hand, thin smoke wafting up, blurring

PM, outside an upscale private club, Dalton and Lydia

visibly nervous, fidgeting with her

last night's birthday party had thrust

anxious, worried that Chandler had asked to see

with a murky background, hardly a match for someone from

formidable reputation, was known for his

a decade in the police force and then taking. control

family

clearly

family was a large, distinguished clan that couldn't tolerate

she was a problem, Dalton might not

grew with every

tugged at Dalton's sleeve, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Dalton, I'm

gently patted her shoulder, his voice soothing.

and vulnerable as she looked up