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

Cole glanced at Harrison and Andy, both watching him with barely concealed curiosity. He smiled faintly.

"This is a task from Mr. Morgan for Ms. Moore. It would be best if the two of you didn't ask too many questions."

Andy was already furious that Faith hadn't sided with him earlier. Now, hearing this, his anger flared even more. "You-"

"Shut up!" Harrison snapped.

Then, turning to Cole, he said, "Since Mr. Morgan has something for Faith, we won't intrude any further."

He shot Andy a sharp look. "Let's go. Don't disturb Faith's rest."

Andy's frustration was obvious, but he had no choice but to leave.

However, the moment they stepped outside, his face twisted with anger. "Uncle Harrison, why the hell are we backing down? The Moore family doesn't fear Kieran. Why "

Harrison's slap cut him off mid-sentence.

"You idiot! Did you not listen to a single damn word I said today? Let me make this clear one more time! Out of all the people you could offend, Kieran is the last one! The Moore family can't afford to make him an enemy.

"And do you think Kieran did all this to defend Faith? No. It's because you messed with someone you shouldn't have. That note he sent? That was a warning."

Andy clutched his stinging face, frustration boiling inside him after an entire day of humiliation.

But still, he asked, "Someone I shouldn't have messed with? You mean... Lila? That doesn't make sense, does it? She's just a woman. Would Kieran go against the Moore family over her? Only an idiot would do that."

Harrison's gaze turned ice-cold. "At best, she's just a passing interest. And you better remember this, no matter how much you like a woman, never lose your head over her."noveldrama

"I understand."

That night, when Lila returned to Vermilion Estate, Kieran was already waiting in the living room.

"You're back early," he remarked.

She changed her shoes and walked over, smiling.

Sliding onto the couch beside him, she reached out and playfully poked his cheek.

Before she could pull back, Kieran caught her wrist, tugging her toward him.

Lila let out a small gasp, her brows knitting together.

"Did that hurt?" Kieran's gaze darkened.

He carefully pulled down her collar slightly. Her shoulder was covered in deep bruises.

"I ran into Andy today. We had a little conflict," Lila said casually.

"I know."

She wasn't surprised. It had been a Morgan Group event, of course, he would have heard about it.

"I'll put some medicine on it for you."

"No need." Lila stopped him, leaning into his chest.

"Don't worry, I didn't suffer a single loss. In fact, I even managed to injure Andy. But I still feel like I owe you an apology."

Kieran raised a brow. "You didn't hit me, so what are you apologizing for?"

"I'm just worried this might affect the deal between our families," she admitted, feeling a bit uneasy.

Kieran chuckled. "If it was going to affect anything, it'd be too late to apologize now, wouldn't it?"

Then, his tone turned playful. "But if

Mrs.

Corgan feels guilty, how a g it up to me by joining out

me at

the hot springs this weekend?"

He knew full well that Lila had only gotten physical because Andy had insulted

him.

Lila had always been protective.

"Hot springs?" She was a little surprised. "Landon set this up, didn't he?"

"Mrs. Morgan is so smart."

Lila laughed. "You know how to

I.ne

flatter, huh? But it wasn't hard to guess, you don't have many friends The only one who can drag you somewhere is that rich kid from the West family. How many people are going? Do I need to bring anything?"

Kieran saw her smile and felt his lips curve up. No need, your presence alone is enough. I didn't ask about the guest list, but I'm guessing Amelia, Noah, and a few others will be there."

Lila nodded, then casually asked, "Is Ms. Clemence going?"

"Landon might not invite her."

"Then no problem. If Noah's going, I'll give Ms. Clemence a heads-up."