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

James chuckled darkly. "If your father had been as smart as you back then, he might still be alive."

"What's the point of dying for the Morgan Group? All these years, not a shred of truth has come to light. Isn't that pathetic?"

Lila's tone sharpened. "It's because my father and the Morgan Group understood that what they safeguarded wasn't just personal wealth, but the lifelines of countless people."

"When a company goes bankrupt, do you think only one person gets hurt? Many placed their entire livelihoods on the Morgan Group. My father didn't just fight for the Morgans. He had a sense of duty, something you'll never understand."

James scoffed. "Spare me the self-righteous speeches. What good is being dead?"

"The Morgans have treated you well over the years. Otherwise, do you think you'd still be alive?" Lila questioned.

"If it hadn't been for your father," he sneered, "I wouldn't have been cast out by Morgan Group. I wouldn't have been driven to desperate measures and killed them!"

Lila's heart turned cold. "A man as incompetent and heartless as you would have driven the Morgan Group to bankruptcy even if it had been handed to you."

"What's the point of provoking me?" James snapped.

"And what's the point of killing me?" Lila countered, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Let Ash go, or I'll scream for those officers. My parents are already dead. I have nothing to lose. I'm not afraid to die. But I'll make sure you die with me!"

The man went silent for a moment.

Then he barked, "Go!"

"I won't leave Lila behind!" Ash clung tightly to Lila's hand.

"Ash, be good. I know Mr. Mapleford. He just needs my help with something. I'll be back by morning," Lila said gently.

Her voice was so warm that Ash couldn't tell if it was the truth or a lie. "Really?"

"Of course. Would I ever lie to you? Now go home. And ask Grandma to cook me

some potatoes tomorrow morning. This time, I want two."

At this, Ash's face lit up, and he nodded. "Okay! But you have to come back tomorrow morning!"

Lila nodded, and Ash finally turned to head home.

"Run faster," she called after him.

Obediently, Ash broke into a run.

James sneered. "Why bother being so kind to a stranger?"

"No reason. But it's still more meaningful than the way you live." Lila huffed.

"Keep walking," James ordered, following behind her. "You say you've got no one left. Haven't you thought about how Kieran would feel hearing thats

Lila's fists clenched, but she stayed silent.

Though she hadn't seen Kieran in days, thoughts of him lingered. Somewhere

along the way, her feelings for him had grown.

James led her to an abandoned courtyard at the edge of the village.

They had just stepped inside when James abruptly pulled her back. But they only managed a few steps before they were surrounded.

James immediately pulled out a knife and pressed it against Lila's neck.

The officers raised their guns. "Surrender now, and we can consider letting you off lightly!"noveldrama

"Where's Kieran Morgan?" James demanded coldly, scanning the officers.

The knife against Lila's neck nicked her skin, and a bead of blood appeared.

The courtyard door swung open, and Kieran hurried in. Dust covered his polished shoes, evidence of his rushed arrival.

His expression hardened, his presence intimidating enough to freeze the air around him.

Right behind him, Cole followed,

ет

panting slightly as he caught up. The sight of tila being held hostage. made his heart leap. "Don't do

anything rash! Let's talk this out!"

Kieran's voice was frigid. "Let her go!"

"You got here quickly," James said, unmoved. "Why didn't Jasmine come?"

"She'd only feel disgusted seeing

you," Lila interjected. "Don't you think

vel?

it's disgusting to fall for your sister-in-law and resort to any means to get her content belongs fo

Kieran was caught off guard, surprised that Lila had deduced this.

But her words enraged James, who tightened his grip and pressed the blade harder against her neck. More blood trickled down.