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

The Bolton Group, once controlled by Michael, had been fully acquired by Morgan Group.

Next on the list was Locke Group, owned by Pierre. It had been reported that they had recently lost several competitions to Morgan Group.

Lila couldn't help but be impressed. Kieran was truly remarkable.

Though she wasn't sure about the Bolton family's status in Northridge, she had heard quite a bit about the Locke family's influence.

They were an established dynasty with deep roots in politics and business that had been building wealth and influence since the 1950s and 1960s.

A formidable force that no one dared challenge. Taking down such a family was no small feat.

That's why Pierre, as the heir of the Locke family, had been so arrogant all these years.

As she thought about it, Lila checked online for updates on Pierre's sentencing. Aside from two brief official announcements, there was nothing new.

It seemed the Locke family was suppressing the news to avoid affecting their stock prices.

Lila didn't dig deeper, but a news notification popped up while scrolling through her feed.noveldrama

"Ms. Ruby, the eldest daughter of the Clemence family in Northridge, has recently returned to the country and will soon host a welcome banquet."

Lila was familiar with the Clemence family, but return banquets for wealthy heirs and heiresses happened every few days.

It wasn't anything remarkable. Why was this even being reported?

These marketing accounts were painfully dull.

She didn't pay much attention, but she started to feel drowsy as she got bored.

She suddenly heard the door open after yawning twice.

Her sleepiness disappeared instantly, and she quickly sat up.

Her eyes met Kieran's, and the atmosphere grew undeniably awkward.

Lila was the first to speak. "Uncle Kieran."

Kieran had just finished showering and was dressed in a gray, plaid, long-sleeved pajama set.

The loose, soft fabric gave him a more approachable vibe, softening his usual aloofness.

He resembled the soft, serene glow of moonlight brushing against the earth.

Lila froze in place as he casually approached her.

"Why are you lying here? Aren't you cold?" he asked, bending down to pick her up.

Lila quickly dodged. "Wait, wait!"

Kieran chuckled after noticing her hesitation. "Carol must have followed arrangements from the Morgan residence. I suspect this will be the norm for a while."

His gaze drifted to her fair, delicate feet, where the smooth skin faintly revealed light blue veins.

His eyes darkened before shifting to the conflicted look on her face.

The norm for a while?

Lila took a moment to process his words before grasping their meaning.

Of course. Amelie wouldn't give up easily until she got what she wanted.

Still, Kieran effortlessly scooped her up and carried her to the bed. "It's late. Get some rest."

Lila tugged at the hem of her clothes, tilting her head to look at him. "What about you?"

He glanced at the sofa, and Lila understood, pursing her lips quietly.

As Kieran stepped toward the sofa, she quickly grabbed his hand.

"The bed is big," she blurted out.

The moment she said it, even she was shocked.

Kieran turned his head, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Lila's face flushed red, and she hurriedly explained, "I mean, I sleep very still. We can each take one half of the bed."

She quickly moved to one side of the bed. "You sleep over there, and I'll sleep here."

She let out a small breath of relief. This was the perfect solution.

This way, Kieran wouldn't have to suffer the discomfort of sleeping on the sofa.

She glanced at the small sofa, just Size for her, and

the

help but picture how crampet

be with Kieran squeezed onto

if.

Kieran raised an eyebrow but didn't object. Following her suggestion, he lay down

on the other side of the bed.

Lila lay down as well. She glanced at him before quickly turning away. "Goodnight, then."

Not daring to look at him any longer, she shut her eyes tightly.

Thus, she missed the faint amusement gleaming in his gaze.

Lila found it hard to sleep once the lights were off. She remained motionless out of caution. She only finally drifted off in the latter half of the night from utter exhaustion.

But somehow, she felt hotter and hotter in her sleep, as if sitting next to a blazing furnace.

The heat finally woke her up. As she opened her eyes, she found herself face-to- face with Kieran's chiseled features.

What's more, she was clinging to his waist like an octopus.

The firmness of his abs was incredibly distracting!

No, no! This was definitely Amelia's bad influence!

Lilaed and tried to move back

to her

as she

arm

of the bed. But as shifted, she realized's

was wrapped around he

waist.

Her movement stirred him slightly, and his brows furrowed as if he was about to

wake up.

This was bad!

Lila was mortified. This situation clearly made it look like she had initiated everything.