Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison
Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Refusing His Request

Chandler ignored him and casually took the drink that Dante offered, swirling the dark red liquid in the glass between his fingers.

The drink reflected a strange light, adding to the tension in the air.

Dalton, remembering why he was here, steeled himself and said, "Uncle, about Celestial Ventures Group's project..."

Recently, Galaxy Holdings Group had been bidding on a project, and Celestial Ventures Group was one of the competitors. Dalton had promised Lydia he would secure this project for her. However, the contract had been sitting in Chandler's office for half a month without being processed, which was why he had braved the heavy rain to come here.

Chandler shot Dalton a cold glance. "This is a club. We're not discussing business here."

Dalton had prepared a lot to say, but the words stuck in his throat.

Still thinking of Lydia's request, he pressed on, "Uncle, it's just about signing the contract..."

Before he could finish, Chandler suddenly slammed his glass down on the table, shattering it into pieces. The abrupt sound silenced the room.

"Dalton, you really have some nerve," Chandler said, his tone sharp.

Though he wasn't shouting, the atmosphere grew heavier.

Dalton felt a sinking feeling in his gut. He didn't interact with Chandler much and usually didn't have any conflicts of interest with him, but tonight, it was clear Chandler was furious. "Don't forget you're part of Galaxy Holdings Group. Have you even looked into Celestial Ventures Group's qualifications? You just bring this to me without any verification?"

"I checked. They're fine," Dalton replied, trying to sound. confident.

"Really? Then explain why you'd pick Celestial Ventures Group. over a better option?"

Caught off guard, Dalton stumbled over his words.

"Not comfortable answering? Let me help you out. It's because someone from Celestial Ventures Group is pulling your strings. Should I name names in front of everyone?"

Dalton's face paled. The crowd was filled with wealthy elites, many of whom he knew well and often relied on for support.

With just a few pointed remarks, Chandler had turned what should have been a straightforward business conversation into a public humiliation.

Dalton felt his standing in the room crumbling, making it impossible for him to hold his head high among his peers again..

Dante, casually sipping his drink, quickly picked up on the tension in the room.

"So, Dalton, are you really here begging your uncle for your mistress? No wonder Meryl wants to call off the engagement. Who could put up with their partner being so openly involved with someone else?" Mentioning the engagement made Dalton's expression darken.

"Lydia isn't a mistress!" he shot back, frustration evident in his voice.

Chandler let out a scoff, raising an eyebrow. "You're having an affair. Isn't she a mistress?"

Dalton hesitated, struggling to find a response.

It dawned on him that Chandler must have heard about the drama at the Stone family's house earlier.

Typically, Chandler didn't involve himself in family squabbles, but this was clearly about the family's reputation.

Meryl's public announcement to break off the engagement would undoubtedly tarnish the Aniston family's image. As the head of the family, Chandler had to care about these things.

Dalton realized that confronting his uncle head-on wouldn't do him any favors.

"Meryl just got upset tonight. She'll cool down and come back in a couple of days. It's nothing serious."

Chandler took a drag from his cigarette, narrowing his eyes. "Is that so?"

His tone was loaded with meaning, but Dalton didn't pick up on it.

"It's just a little lovers' spat. You really don't need to worry, Uncle. Once she apologizes, everything will go back to normal."

Hearing this, Chandler went quiet for a moment, considering his words.

That comment struck a nerve.

Meryl had indeed initiated the breakup tonight, but what if she changed her mind?

Could she really just walk away from seven years of feelings that easily?

After finishing his cigarette, Dalton finally spoke up again..

"You should bring Lydia here tomorrow at six."

Dalton froze, confused about why Chandler suddenly wanted to see Lydia.

He felt a wave of concern, worried that Chandler might put her in a tough spot.

Dante chimed in, grinning. "You're sticking up for her like that, but you're saying she's not involved? If your uncle wants you to bring her, just do it. You really don't want to make him angry. Trust me, it won't end well for you."