Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Chapter 25 Betrayal and Blame

When Lydia heard Meryl's words, her face stiffened, and a hint of guilt flashed across her expression.

Just as expected, Bianca's expression turned grim the n Meryl brought up the incident.

Bianca always thought that her well-behaved eldest daughter would never commit such a disgraceful act.

But the live TV broadcast had detailed accounts, and she had been troubled by it all morning.

With her lips pressed together, Bianca asked, "Lydia, did you and Dalton really..."

Tears welled up in Lydia's eyes, and they started to fall before she could even get a word out. "I'm sorry, Mom. Dalton had too much to drink last night. He took me to the hotel, and I was too weak to fight back."

Upon hearing that, Bianca frowned and grumbled, "That Dalton! He's already engaged to Meryl. How could he force himself on you?!"

Lydia gently wiped her reddened eyes and continued, "Dalton was drunk, Mom. It's not entirely his fault. And Meryl is a victim in this, too."

It was only then that Bianca remembered Meryl was still standing there.

so much, she must

however, snorted, "She couldn't keep an

so who else is to blame? If Meryl hadn't made Dalton angry that night, you

happened. Lydia lost her dignity

me? They're the

who the biological

wondered, "Why does my family always pin the root of every problem on me without knowing the

vying for my place

seriously, are

right from wrong.

asking, "Did I force them to get a room in the hotel? Your bias has to stop! If you keep pushing me, I'll tell the reporters they've been messing around for ages! Lydia even had two

Meryl turned, slammed the door shut, and stormed out, leaving Bianca and Lydia in chaos in

room.

a good while to process it, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Lydia? Did you really have an abortion? Were you

was quickly replaced by a look of grievance. "Mom, Meryl's lying. She was just desperate and trying to stir things up between us. I'm innocent. There's no way I'd do that." Bianca breathed a sigh of relief after hearing that. Then, she commented with a thoughtful expression, "Meryl was indeed raised in a gambler's family, lying without batting an eye. If she were half as well-behaved as you." Lydia, feeling

What's there for her to be wronged about? She spent three years in prison and is still