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

as he

have it all.

lowered her head, feeling the weight of

and

and stood up, Lydia panicked.

gaze was

you can negotiate

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

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

fingers turned white from gripping tightly. It was

was choosing Dalton over the

as naive

project,

swept over her with a mix of amusement and

you've chosen Dalton, you two still can't be

though he were setting a

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

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

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 tightened as she bit her lip. "But I truly love Dalton. Please, don't

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

exactly

a top

the Stone family and being pampered,

never considered her

even though Meryl was less capable, the engagement had to be

Chandler was trying

know Dalton's mother would never approve of our marriage. How could I possibly marry

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

was taken aback. "What