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

"I need to go back to the Morgan residence. Once I'm done, I'll pick you up to head home."

Lila looked at the message and pressed her lips together before replying, "Okay."

The official workday ended at six, but Lila already packed up at five and drove herself to the Morgan residence.

Some things, if needed to be said, might as well be said sooner rather than later.

When she arrived, Stefan's car was parked in the courtyard, as expected.

Just the day before, he had told Nicole to consider it, but the moment Kieran returned, he couldn't wait to show up. Or perhaps, Kieran had been summoned back early.

She pushed open the door and found only Stefan inside. Faith wasn't there.

Stefan glanced at her sudden arrival with indifference, clearly viewing her as someone not worth much attention.

In contrast, Nicole seemed a little nervous.

When Kieran saw her, a gentle warmth appeared in his eyes. "Why didn't you wait for me?"

Lila had intended to bluntly say, "I wanted to see you sooner." But catching Nicole's gaze, she swallowed the words back down.

"It's good you're back, Lila. We're all having dinner here tonight." Nicole quickly regained her usual graceful demeanor.

"Kieran." Stefan spoke, his voice still powerful despite his age. "Having reached where you are today, you should understand that many things aren't about whether you want to or not; it's about whether you can or not."

Nicole frowned slightly. "Stefan, while what you said isn't wrong, some things are negotiable, but others are not."

Stefan ignored her, keeping his gaze on Kieran.

"Out of this generation of the Morgan family, you're the one I have the highest hopes for. If you were

still part of the family, I would've netnoveldrama

personally mentored you. Kieran, I can't bear to watch the empire you've built with your own hands collapse into ruins.

"If you agree to marry Faith, I'll immediately get the family and several other elite families to not only inject funds but also secure an international business channel for you."

Stefan believed this offer was too good to refuse.

Hearing this, Lila lowered her eyes, a mocking smile on her lips. He had so blatantly asked her husband to marry another woman right in front of her.

Nicole wanted to speak, but Kieran raised a hand to stop her.

"Granduncle Stefan, I thought I made myself clear just now. Since you still insist, and now that Lila is here, let's make this even clearer."

He turned his head and gestured toward Lila. When she didn't move, he let out a helpless chuckle, stepped forward, and bent down to take her hand.

The contrast of warm against cool skin brought Lila back to her senses. She let him lead her forward a couple of steps.

"Marrying Lila was my own choice, and I never abandon what I start halfway through," Kieran said in a mellow voice. "I will not divorce her, nor with I enter into an arranged marriage with Ms. Moore. Not only will refuse, but Noah and Bryce also won't be easily pushed into arranged marriages."

Although Jasmine had previously mentioned marrying off Bryce, it was merely to pressure him.

Hearing his resolute tone, Lila slowly tightened her grip on his hand, and Kieran responded by gripping her hand back.

Stefan glared at their clasped hands, furious. No one in the Morgan family had ever dared disobey him like this! It was outrageous!

"So, you're willing to give up Morgan Group for the sake of one woman? Do you think that's fair to the people who've worked so hard alongside you for so many years?"