too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)

"Apologies, Ms. Hart. Andy was spoiled growing up. He's still young, and if he said anything offensive just now, I hope you can overlook it." Harrison's tone was polite enough.noveldrama

But Lila didn't miss the subtle look in his eyes.

Even after Faith had made it clear she was Kieran's wife, Harrison still addressed her as Ms. Hart.

His disdain for her was no less than Stefan's, perhaps even worse.

After all, the Moore family strictly followed the rules of lineage and hierarchy.

The only people they considered worthy of speaking to as equals were those with real power and status.

Faith took a steady breath as if gathering her courage, before speaking. "Uncle Harrison, Andy might be the youngest at home, but out in the world, he's a grown

man.

"In fact, he's even a few months older than Mrs. Morgan. Asking her to tolerate his behavior because he's 'still young', do you think that's appropriate?"

Harrison's polite smile faded slightly. He gave Faith a long, measuring look before turning back to Lila.

"You're right. I've been treating him like a child for too long. Good thing Faith reminded me, otherwise, I would've made a fool of myself. How about this? I'll take this kid to the hospital first.

"Once the event is over, I'd like to treat Ms. Hart to dinner. And if that's still not enough, feel free to name any other request."

The surrounding guests exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts.

This situation could either escalate or be smoothed over, depending on how it played out.

Harrison seemed to be offering an apology, but in reality, he was laying a trap. If Lila accepted his offer and asked for any form of compensation, she'd be admitting she was someone who could be bought.

Michael subtly tugged Lila's sleeve, signaling her to let it go.

Faith frowned, giving her a small shake of the head, a silent warning not to push further.

But instead of backing down, Lila's lips curved into a smile. "Compensation? Sure."

The event coordinator stiffened. If Lila ended up losing face here, on Morgan Group's own property, he would be the one to blame.

Harrison also smiled, but there was mockery hidden beneath it.

As expected from someone with no real background. Just another small-time woman who can't resist a little profit.

Harrison's smirk barely had time to settle before Lila spoke again.

"Mr. Harrison, you've already apologized on Mr. Andy's behalf for his disrespect toward me. But Ms. Moore has yet to receive an apology."

The three Moore family members froze.

Harrison's frown deepened. "What do you mean?"

Did she take that apology seriously? Did she dare to embarrass the Moore family like this?

"Ms. Moore is his older sister. She did nothing wrong, yet she was blamed at every turn. Is that what the Moore family calls proper upbringing?" Lila said.

"This is our family business! Who the hell do you think you are to interfere?" Andy snapped, his blood-smeared face twisted with rage, making him look even more unhinged.

Faith's eyes flickered with surprise. She hadn't expected Lila to stand up for her.

But then she lifted her head and met Harrison's cold, unreadable gaze.

She let out a quiet, self-deprecating laugh in her heart. With or without someone speaking up for her, she already knew how this would end.

In the Moore family, she was always the scapegoat.

And to think, there was a time she used to look down on Lila. It was almost laughable.

Lila noticed Faith was about to speak and cut in first. "So, Mr.

Harrison, will you be apologizing for him @gain? Or will Mr. Andy do it himself?"

Harrison studied her for a moment before letting out a low chuckle. "Andy, apologize to Faith."

What a joke. Him, a family elder, apologizing to a younger generation? Where would his dignity go?

His gaze turned sharp as he shot Andy a warning look.

Andy clenched his jaw. Face flushed with humiliation, he finally spat out a stiff, "Sorry."

Harrison barely spared Faith a glance before adding, his tone edged with command, "You're coming with us to the hospital."

A bitter, mocking smile touched Faith's lips.

She was about to step forward when Lila grabbed her wrist. "Ms. Moore is the

project lead. She still has work to do here. Isn't that right?"

She turned to the event coordinator.

The man, sensing the weight of the moment, quickly nodded. "Yes, yes! There's

still a document Ms. Moore needs to review."