Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Chapter 743 She Cheated On Me

Rachel froze on the spot. Dylan’s words left her momentarily confused. “You mean…”

Dylan said, “Marry into the Aniston family, become its matriarch, replace Meryl. But most importantly, win Chandler over–make him forget about her.”

Dylan believed Chandler had lost all sense of reason over Meryl. If this continued, there was no telling what reckless things Chandler might do next. The only solution Dylan could think of was to shift Chandler’s attention elsewhere.

Rachel had grown up with Chandler–they were childhood friends, bonded by years of companionship. So in Dylan’s mind, she was the only suitable replacement for Meryl.

Rachel bit her lip. She hadn’t expected Dylan to come up with such a plan. She thought, “He’s going straight for the root, cutting it off clean. But isn’t this just making me Meryl’s stand–in? No, maybe not even that.”

Rachel lowered her gaze. Dylan, however, wasn’t in a hurry–he gave her all the time she needed to think it over.

He knew all too well that the Morgan family had fallen into decline over a decade ago. Rachel, an orphan with no suppor had struggled to find her place in this world.

People like her, who had lived without security their entire lives, longed for stability above all else. If he offered her a home, she would be grateful beyond measure.

And the Aniston family–one of the most powerful and influential–was a dream for any woman. Dylan was confident she would agree.

Rachel clenched her fists. Then, all of a sudden, she looked up and met Dylan’s gaze. “I refuse.”

Dylan’s eyes widened slightly, clearly caught off guard. “What did you say?”

“I don’t want to be a replacement.” Rachel’s voice was calm but unwavering.

would notice her. He was exceptional–someone she

the devastation she expected. It wasn’t until now that she realized–she had never truly loved Chandler. If anything, her feelings for him had been more

belonged to Meryl. If she forced herself into the picture, she didn’t stand a chance. Even if Dylan pressured Chandler into marrying her, it would only ruin whatever friendship they

had been up to all these years, he would likely turn against her as well. Which meant that everything Chandler had done in the name of

her. Rachel had been gravely injured, but that didn’t mean she had lost her

to back herself into a dead–end. Not to mention, with her current condition, she was practically half–crippled. Who knew how much longer her body would hold out? There were far more important things she needed to take care of before that happened.

to turn him down. He thought, “Fine. If that is the case, I’ll have to

whether to tell Chandler about Dylan’s visit. But then she remembered–Chandler wouldn’t

calls.

phone aside, lay back on the bed, and stared blankly at the

*****

everywhere for Meryl

returning from Powell Manor, he locked himself in his study. His expression was grim, his entire presence heavy

anxious. When dinnertime rolled around, he finally

response.

hadn’t eaten all day. Worried something might happen, Walter thought about calling someone to talk some sense into him. But Dante had flown to Havenbrook to see Anne, and there was no

and forth in the hallway. Just as he was about to knock again, the door suddenly swung open from the inside. Chandler stepped out, his eyes bloodshot.

“Mr. Aniston,

I need to see John.” Felix

with friends.” Even so, he started the car and drove Chandler straight

stumbling out of the entrance, clearly drunk. He was swaying as he walked, a lazy grin on