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.

draped his arm out of the window, thin

glancing cautiously at Chandler before speaking, "Sir, maybe you should just tell her who you really are..." Chandler tilted his chin, signaling him to

If she marries you, she'll have a strong position in

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

If I

as he spoke, almost

himself and wiped his

slightly. "Interesting

scratching the

his tone. "But you

blinked, puzzled. "What

so he couldn't risk that. Chandler played with the lighter in his

club,

nervous, fidgeting with her

of last night's birthday party had thrust her into

Chandler had asked to

was a fake socialite with a murky background, hardly a match for someone

formidable reputation, was known for

and then

player, sidelining other family members and

clearly

was a large,

was a problem, Dalton might

anxiety grew with

tears. "Dalton, I'm really scared... What if your uncle tries

shoulder, his voice soothing. "Don't

were wide and vulnerable as she