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

grew as he observed her

it all. You need

her head, feeling the weight of

and Chandler's patience was wearing

stood up, Lydia panicked. "Mr. Aniston, is

gaze was cold

really think you can negotiate

Aniston, but I truly

"Fine, then the project will go to

It was clear she had accepted his

she was choosing

wasn't as naive

the project, but Dalton was someone she

with a mix of

you

though he

bewildered. "You didn't

up the project would mean I'd

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 lip. "But I truly love Dalton. Please,

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

exactly

was a top family, obsessed with

and being pampered, to the high

never considered her

even though Meryl was less capable, the engagement had

trying to force her to

making this difficult. Mr. Aniston, you know Dalton's mother would never approve of our

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

was taken