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

All eyes were on them, with expressions ranging from scrutiny to surprise, and some seemed to be eagerly watching the drama unfold. After all, the majority still looked down on Lila. However, they weren't in a position like the Locke family, who had the power to resist if Kieran truly lost his temper.

Today, he brought her and specifically introduced her as his fiancée. Would Martin openly humiliate her like this?

As everyone speculated his intentions, Martin smiled warmly and accepted the gift but didn't open it. Instead, he handed it to the butler behind him. "Take good care of Mrs. Morgan's gift."

With that simple statement, the tense atmosphere was immediately eased. He carefully observed Lila's expression, expecting her to at least show some discomfort, but her face remained completely unchanged, to his surprise.

He was a bit taken aback; she was quite gutsy. It was no wonder she had bested Shannon.

While the guests continued to exchange pleasantries, another person appeared at the second-floor railing.

"Pierre, is this the one you've set your eyes on? She looks pretty good. Your taste is on point this time-she's a natural beauty."

The woman wore a white tulle dress that should have looked pure and demure, but her words instantly made her seem completely different.

Pierre shot her a cold glance. "Don't mess things up for me."

"Do I look like I care about your business?" Vivian smirked, lazily leaning against the railing. "Seriously, tell me your plan. With someone as top-tier as Kieran, you shouldn't let Shannon have him so easily. How about giving me a shot instead?"noveldrama

He suddenly looked at her with a scrutinizing gaze. "You want to marry into the Morgan family?"

"I would, but do you think the Morgan family would want a marriage alliance with us?" she scoffed. As for men, I can play around without losing anything, especially if it's someone as exceptional as him."

Her eyes grew deeper as she spoke, her gaze sliding down Kieran's face, over his broad shoulders and waist. She couldn't help but wonder if it would be satisfying to...

"You better not set your sights on him."

"Hm?" Vivian raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You dare think about his woman, so why can't I want him?"

Pierre didn't respond right away. "If you help me lure Lila away, I might be able to get you Noah. What do you think?"

This time, she suddenly looked at him. "How do you know?"

The usually cold and gloomy man smirked, his smile even more twisted and dangerous. "Just because I'm not in the Locke family doesn't mean I don't know what's happening. Those fools still think they can bypass me and win Grandpa's favor to get more shares. It's laughable."

His smile darkened as he glanced at several of his cousins, who were as foolish and clueless as they were ambitious. Only Vivian shared the same mother as him among his peers, but he didn't feel much affection for her. In a family like this, showing real emotions was deadly, even toward one's sibling.

After a moment, Vivian pursed her lips and said, "I want Noah, but I want him whole."

With that, she turned and made her way downstairs, where Shannon looked up in the direction of the stairs. When she saw him nod, she approached the most prominent man in the crowd.

Throughout the birthday party, Kieran kept his arm around Lila's waist, always in a protective stance.

Lila slightly turned her head. She wanted to call out to him but remembered what he had said earlier. Instead, she tugged at the corner of his sleeve.