Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison
Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Unforgotten Rescue

Chandler had only just left when Meryl blinked awake, the strong scent of disinfectant filling her nostrils.

Everything around her was a blur of white, reminding her that she was in a hospital.

After she'd left the Stone Villa, the rain had come down in torrents. In her hazy state, she noticed a missed call on her phone and decided to call back. Just as she told the caller her address, her head felt heavy, and she blacked out.

"So, that man sent me here?" she wondered.

Ten years ago, she had saved a man by accident.

In return, he gave her a pendant and a phone number, telling her she could call if she ever needed help.

Meryl had been doubtful but wrote the number down anyway, never imagining it would actually be useful.

After all these years, she figured he would have forgotten all about her.

But tonight, when she called, she did so without much hope, yet the call went through.

She couldn't recall what he looked like, only that he had worn a police uniform with the number "258" on his shoulder, probably his badge number.

Just as she was lost in her memories, the door swung open, pulling her back to reality.

A tall, handsome man in a sharp suit walked in. She turned, surprised by his striking looks.

Walter hadn't expected her to wake up so soon. "Ms. Stone, do you feel okay? Just a moment. I'll get the doctor."

After a whirlwind of activity, a group of medical staff came in and then left just as quickly.

Watching them come and go made Meryl feel oddly surreal, yet she was comforted by the thought that someone cared about her.

Once the nurses had cleared out, she turned to Walter and said, "So it was you, 258? Thanks for tonight."

That memory felt like it belonged to another lifetime. She was only fourteen then.

Now, after all these years, the details of that man's face were a blur in her mind.

Walter hesitated, surprise flickering in his eyes.

He didn't know what the number meant to Meryl, but he guessed it had something to do with Chandler.

Not wanting to misstep, he replied cautiously, "Ms. Stone, are you looking for the person who helped you? He had to leave earlier, but I'm Walter. If you need anything, just let me know, and I'll handle it." So it wasn't him.

Meryl nodded, and noticing she looked a bit exhausted, Walter gently closed the door as he left the room.

In the hallway, he quickly sent a message to Chandler. [Sir, Ms. Stone is awake, and the doctor says she's doing well.] Chandler responded almost instantly. [Good.]

After a moment, Walter remembered something else and added. [Ms. Stone might want to see you.]

As Chandler arrived at the club, the rain was pouring heavily outside, but he strode in confidently, his clothes completely dry.

He glanced at his phone, the light reflecting off his sharp features as he read the message.

An eyebrow raised at Walter's message.

With his tall frame and an air of wild confidence, he looked striking under the dim lights.

His deep-set eyes had a teasing glimmer.

Chandler bit down on a cigarette hanging loosely from his lips and quickly typed back. [I'll be there soon.]

Just as he hit send, the playful smile faded from his face.

Inside the private room, the crowd that had been surrounding

Dalton shifted their focus to Chandler as he entered.

It was obvious that Chandler was entirely on another level when it came to status and influence.

Everyone in the room knew that he was the real force behind Galaxy Holdings Group.

Feeling a bit sheepish after being caught showing off, Dalton rubbed the back of his neck and walked over to Chandler. "Hey, Uncle."