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

grew as

can't have it all. You need

head, feeling the weight of

by, and Chandler's

Lydia panicked.

was cold and

you can

wavered. "Mr. Aniston, but I truly love Dalton! I can't

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

gripping tightly. It

she was choosing Dalton

as naive as

other chances for the project, but Dalton

swept over her with

you've chosen Dalton, you

as though he

at him, bewildered. "You didn't

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

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

"Tear you apart? If you want to 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 what she

a

family and being pampered, to the high society, she

had never considered

capable, the engagement had to be with her, not with

realized that Chandler was trying to force her

making this difficult. Mr. Aniston, you know Dalton's mother would never approve of our marriage. How could I possibly marry

legs crossed. "If you're so set

was taken