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.

a hard place,

as

have it all. You

head, feeling the weight

and Chandler's patience was wearing

Lydia panicked. "Mr. Aniston, is there really no

was cold and

really think you

"Mr. Aniston, but I truly love

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

white from gripping tightly. It was clear she had

what, she was choosing Dalton over

wasn't as

chances for the project, but

swept over her with a mix of amusement

you

froze, feeling as though he were setting

bewildered. "You didn't say that

promised that giving up the project would mean I'd

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

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? That way, it'll be one less problem for me." Lydia's eyes

exactly what

Aniston family was a top family,

being pampered, to the high society, she

had never

less capable, the engagement had to

quickly realized that Chandler was trying to force

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

leaned back with a smirk, his legs crossed. "If you're so set on

was taken aback.