Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Chapter 19 A Deal

Dalton's face was grim, but he knew better than to let his temper flare up.

"Lydia, don't worry. I'll just stay here and drink. Once you're done, come find me."

Lydia nodded, relieved to have some time to handle the situation.

The project had been stalled with Chandler for over two weeks, and she was desperate for his signature.

Since he brought it up, she didn't want to miss this chance.

Fresh out of college, Lydia was placed into the company by Malcolm as a project manager.

Despite his backing, she struggled to earn respect among the older employees.

To make her mark, she had to prove herself with results.

Lydia took a step closer to Chandler, trying to figure out how to broach the subject. "Chandler, about the project..."

Chandler's eyebrow arched coldly. "What did you call me?"

Lydia hesitated, realizing her mistake. "I mean, Mr. Aniston."

"The project can go to Celestial Ventures Group," Chandler said, tapping a cigarette from his pack.

"But there's a condition. You have to leave Dalton."

Lydia's face went pale.

If she gave up Dalton for the project, he would surely hate her.

But if she lost the project, explaining it to her company and her father would be just as hard.

hard place, Lydia

smirk grew as he observed her

have it all. You need

lowered her head, feeling the weight of the

by, and Chandler's patience was wearing

his legs and stood up, Lydia panicked. "Mr. Aniston, is there really no other

was cold

really think you can

I truly love Dalton! I can't

sneer. "Fine, then the project

turned white from gripping tightly. It was clear she

matter what, she was choosing Dalton over the

as naive

for the project, but Dalton was someone she couldn't let

eyes swept over her with a mix of amusement

chosen Dalton, you two still

as though he were setting a trap

stared at him, bewildered.

eyes narrowed slightly. "I never promised that giving up the project would mean I'd overlook

continued, "You heard about last night, right? The fuss was quite a spectacle. As the head of the Aniston family, it's my responsibility to handle this properly, or it'll reflect badly on us." Lydia's jaw tightened as she bit her

Dalton so badly, why don't you just marry him? That way, it'll be one less problem for me." Lydia's eyes widened in

exactly what

Aniston family was a top family, obsessed

Lydia's upbringing in the Stone family and being pampered, to the high society, she

never

even though Meryl was less capable, the engagement had to

quickly realized that Chandler was trying to force her to

Dalton's mother would never approve of

crossed. "If you're so set on this, shouldn't you be the one to

taken aback.