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.

and a hard place, Lydia was at a loss

grew as he observed her

have it all. You

her head, feeling the weight of the

ticked by, and Chandler's

Lydia panicked. "Mr. Aniston, is there

was cold and

you really think you can negotiate with

"Mr. Aniston, but I truly

curled in a sneer. "Fine, then the project will go to

turned white from gripping tightly. It

she was choosing

as naive as

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

her with a mix of

chosen Dalton, you two still can't be

feeling as though he were

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 heart

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

If you want to be with Dalton so badly, why

exactly what

family was a top family, obsessed with

family and being pampered, to the high society, she

mother had never

though Meryl was less capable, the engagement

Chandler was trying to force her

Aniston, you know Dalton's mother would

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

taken