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.

place, Lydia was at a loss

grew as he observed her

it all. You need

feeling the weight

ticked by, and

uncrossed his legs and stood up, Lydia panicked. "Mr. Aniston, is there

gaze was cold

really think you can negotiate

I truly

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

fingers turned white from gripping tightly. It was

what, she was choosing Dalton

wasn't as

project, but Dalton was someone she

eyes swept over her with a

Dalton, you two still

though he were setting

stared at him, bewildered. "You didn't say

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

to handle this properly, or it'll

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

exactly what she

a

family and being pampered, to the high society,

never considered

Meryl was less capable, the engagement had to be with her, not with

trying

know Dalton's mother would never approve of our marriage. How

a smirk, his legs crossed. "If you're so set on this, shouldn't you be the one to find

taken aback. "What