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 was at a loss for

grew as he observed her

it all. You

her head, feeling the

by, and Chandler's patience was wearing

and stood up, Lydia panicked. "Mr. Aniston, is there really

gaze was cold and

you can negotiate with

I

in a sneer. "Fine, then

fingers turned white from gripping tightly. It was clear she had accepted

matter what, she was choosing Dalton

wasn't as naive

for the project, but Dalton

her with a mix of amusement

you've chosen Dalton, you two still can't

he were

at him, bewildered.

I say?" Chandler's eyes narrowed slightly. "I never promised that giving up the project would mean I'd overlook your relationship." Lydia felt her

"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

sofa with a nonchalant air. "Tear you apart? If you want to be with Dalton so badly, why don't you just marry him? That

exactly

Aniston family was a

in the Stone family and being pampered, to the high society, she was just

never

though Meryl was less capable, the engagement had to be with her,

realized that Chandler was trying to force her

mother would never approve

"If you're so set on this, shouldn't

was taken aback. "What