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

Stefan's anger was like the oppressive calm before a storm.

Yet, Kieran showed no sign of compromising. Even Lila was unafraid, though her heart was filled with some concern.

Without Stefan's assistance, could Morgan Group survive the crisis?

Kieran had been working tirelessly these past few days, barely eating and sleeping. His occasional, involuntary displays of fatigue had left her feeling heartache.

Sensing her worry, Kieran's grip on her hand tightened slightly to comfort her.

Lifting his gaze, his expression remained cold and indifferent, maintaining an air of dignity that wasn't diminished by the elder's imposing presence.

"The reason I've worked to expand my businesses is to protect my family. But now, if I have to trade the family's peace for that, it defeats the purpose.

"I will not marry someone to make connections, nor will I abandon Morgan Group. As for my employees, they will get what they should."

Stefan glared at him coldly. "Do you think it's that simple? Do you really think I'm unaware of how large your company's deficit is?"

"Yes, the problem is significant, but I've spent the past few days abroad addressing these issues. If one solution doesn't work, I'll find another. If a supply chain breaks and can't be reconnected, I'll build a new one."

Stefan was in disbelief. "You've found a solution?"

"I'm still working on it," Kieran replied truthfully. Success wasn't guaranteed yet, but he knew the world rarely offered only one solution to a problem.

"So, you're saying you won't even consider an arranged marriage?"

"I won't." Kieran's voice was cold, but his tone was resolute.

Stefan narrowed his eyes. "Fine. I won't force you. I'll give you time. I want to see just how capable you truly are!"

With that, he stormed out.

He recognized Kieran's abilities, but business wasn't elementary math-it couldn't be solved overnight.

If Kieran was given more time,

Stefan believed that he could solve these issues. But rebuilding a supply chain wasn't something that could be accomplished in months, or even a year.

Young people hardly used their brains, always believing that love could conquer all.

Stefan sneered. He hadn't expected Kieran to be this naive.

Once Stefan was gone, Nicole glanced at Lila with a trace of guilt. "I didn't want you to know about all this," she said.

Lila smiled faintly. "It's alright, Aunt Nicole."

She understood that Nicole wanted to protect her from getting hurt. But knowing the truth was better than being kept in the dark.

After having dinner at the Morgan residence, Kieran and Lila didn't stay long and headed home.

On the way, Kieran caught Lila staring at him and chuckled lightly. "Mrs. Morgan, if there's something you want to say, just say it. Don't keep it to yourself."noveldrama

Every time he called her "Mrs. Morgan", Lila couldn't help but blush. But this time, for the first time, she calmly accepted the title.

Sitting upright, she asked bluntly, "Kieran, are you refusing the arranged marriage because you don't want to be controlled by the family or because you love me?"

Hearing this, Kieran pulled the car to the side of the road and stopped He then turned to face her and said "Mrs. Morgan, if I recall correctly, I've already told you about loving you a long time ago."

Their gazes met.

"If I didn't make it clear before, I'll say it again now." He continued, "Lila, I love

you. I've loved you for a long time."

His voice was clear, neither hurried nor slow, yet incredibly gentle.

Lila wasn't sure if it was his touching words or the deep emotion in his voice, but her heart seemed to skip a beat. It filled the gap left from

ven

first time she had heard hime

announce to the media that she was

his fiance.

She pressed a hand to her chest, but before she could react, a shadow fell over her, and a moist warmth brushed her lips.

Kieran rarely acted with such subtlety. Seeing Lila frozen in place, a faint smile appeared in his eyes.

Fastening his seatbelt again, he drove toward Vermilion Estate while Lila sat quietly in the passenger seat, not daring to look at him.