Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Outside the club, two burly bodyguards stood by the entrance.

Dalton was about to lead Lydia inside when the guards abruptly blocked their path with their arms.

Dalton's expression turned icy. He shot a cold glare at the guards, his voice sharp. "My uncle asked us here. What's the hold-up?"

The guards, towering and unyielding, spoke with a chill in their voices. "I need to report this inside first."

Annoyed, Dalton was about to lose his cool when Lydia gently lugged on his sleeve.

Sensing Chandler was likely trying to make things difficult for her, she gave the guards a warm, if slightly strained, smile. "It's alright if I wait here. Can you let Dalton go in?" The night air had turned sharply cold after the rain, and the draft at the club's entrance made it even worse.

Lydia, wearing a sleek satin dress, was visibly shivering, her nose reddening from the chill.

The guard was unmoved by her plea and responded firmly, "No."

Dalton's face turned stormy.

Frustrated and without a clear outlet for his anger, he watched the guard disappear into the club, leaving them out in the cold.

Finally, after more than ten minutes, the guard reappeared.

you can go in

a warning glare at the guard, but the guard remained impassive, staring straight

guard was Chandler's man, Dalton

the private room, Chandler was deep into a card game with Dante and a few others. He didn't even glance

Dalton greeted, trying to keep his tone steady.

a hand and erupted in celebration, his loud cheer drowning out Dalton's

over. His mood, already

to his arm, silently urging him

just ended, and it had been twenty minutes since

time to speak up. "Uncle Chandler, if you have any issues, take them up with me. Don't make things

reply, Dante's voice rang out with a mocking edge. "Oh, look at you, playing the knight in shining armor.

family was not someone she could afford to cross, even without the added complication of their

and Dante quickly caught the cue. Tossing aside his cards, he wrapped

you've got some great wine stashed here. Let's go check

was clear that Dante

hesitated, not wanting to leave Lydia alone with the

wine brought here so we can enjoy it

glanced over at Chandler. "Alright, that

and pointed at Lydia. "Then let your lover pour the