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

Social media was exactly as chaotic as Lila had predicted.

"Dorian just won an international award for his acting. It's obvious he's got the chops. How could he not get cast?"

"Right? I even looked into the role. It's perfect for him. He's played a somewhat similar character before. There's no way he didn't get it unless something shady went down."

"Michael is signed with Magi Pictures, which is backed by the Morgan Group. Do we really need to guess why he got the role?"

"Totally agree. It's got to be some backroom deal. Bet the director took a bribe."

Dorian's fans quickly rallied to defend him, flooding social media until the topic hit the trending charts.

When Michael heard Lila say the flames of the drama had reached him, he laughed softly. "Dorian's fans always drag me online. I'm kind of used to it. But accusing the director is taking it too far."

After all, Rowan was a globally renowned director known for valuing talent over connections. The idea that someone could buy a role from him was ridiculous.

As Michael spoke, he couldn't help but pull out his phone to see just how crazy things had gotten on the internet. The more he scrolled, though, the less amused he looked.

"So, this is why Magi Pictures shelled out so much to secure this role for Michael -because they've signed Lila. Apparently, she was his temporary agent for the audition."

"Magi Pictures is just out to sabotage Dorian. Dirty competition. Shameless." "Wow, I actually thought Michael was talented enough to deserve this role. But now that you mention it, this feels super shady."

"Everyone knows there's history between Lila and Dorian. Even if Magi Pictures didn't pay off Rowan, Lila must've been scheming to mess with Dorian."

"Magi Pictures is scum. Absolutely shameless."

"Exactly. Out of all the agents they could've sent, why Lila?"

"The casting wasn't fair!"

The drama spiraled out of control, and some of Dorian's fans even took their complaints to Rowan's social media accounts overseas.

Michael let out a frustrated sigh after reading everything. "This has really blown up. I'll need to head back to the office and figure out a way to clear this up with Mr. Jordan and Liam. If we let this drag on, people are actually going to believe we bribed the director."

"Let Mr. Jordan know about it for now," Lila said after a moment of thought. "But there's no rush to make a public statement. I've done some research on Rowan. He's not the type to back down easily."

She gave a small smile. "If Dorian's fans were just ranting on local platforms, we'd have a hard time clearing our names since there's no way to prove a negative. But now they've taken it to Rowan himself. He won't let it slide once he gets wind of what's going on."

"And what if Rowan doesn't care?"

"He will," Lila answered confidently. "Especially since this involves you. He's protective of his people. You've already signed a contract with him. He's going to have your back."

Seeing how sure she was, Michael didn't argue further. It was strange-she was younger than him but had a way of making people believe her.

Maybe Cedric was right. Lila really did seem to have what it took to succeed. Michael had seen it himself recently, watching her break down scripts and analyze characters with impressive skill.

After finishing their meal, they returned to the office, wrapping up their temporary collaboration for the day.

Back at the office, Michael ended up getting scolded by Liam-not because anyone snitched, but because he still smelled like the stew they'd eaten. He hadn't had time to change, and Liam

noticed immediately.

Meanwhile, the situation online only kept escalating. Michael's silence made Dorian's fans even more

convinced they were right. Their net

comments grew more aggressive, and even Lila became a target. To them, Lila had not only embarrassed Dorian but also cost him a big

opportunity. They saw her as the

ultimate villain.

Lila spotted a familiar black Maybach waiting for her when she left the office after

work.

Cole stepped out of the car and waved.

It was rush hour, and plenty of employees at Magi Pictures recognized him.

Lila pulled up her mask to cover her face. "Mr. Mason, what are you doing here?"

"Mr. Morgan asked me to pick you up for dinner at the Morgan residence." "What about him?"

"We'll pick him up on the way. It's more convenient."

Once they were both in the car, Cole hesitated before speaking. "Ms. Hart, Mr. Morgan knows about the situation online. Should he step in to

help? These rumors could cauto

serious trouble if they keep spreading."

"It's fine," she replied calmly.noveldrama

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