too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 496

Kieran's eyes crinkled into a smile, his gaze as calm and luminous as moonlight. Lila, however, wasn't falling for it. Placing her hands on her hips, she stared him down. "Was Granduncle Stefan implying that I'm holding you back from your career?"

Kieran chuckled, the curve of his smile deepening as he reached for her hand and pulled her into his lap. "How could that be? My lovely wife only makes my career flourish. If I didn't have you with me these past few weeks, I wouldn't have had the energy to deal with all the company's problems. And without that, they wouldn't even be here discussing a collaboration today."

Lila huffed, pretending to be upset. "You're just saying that to make me feel better! If that's true, then why didn't you stop Granduncle Stefan from kicking Mr. Mason out? I can't believe you actually listened to him! Mr. Mason has been by your side for years. What could possibly be so confidential that he wasn't allowed to hear it?"

Cole had been involved in nearly every major business deal at Morgan Group, after all. He wasn't just a personal assistant—his role was far more significant.

Kieran could tell exactly what she was getting at. He raised his brow, clearly amused. The truth was, when Stefan had arrived, he had made a pointed remark about how Kieran was too distracted by Lila—how his focus on her would inevitably interfere with his responsibilities.

Cole, unwilling to let that slide, had immediately clapped back in the same manner, deliberately praising Lila and emphasizing just how much of an asset she was.

The ever-composed elderly man had been so infuriated that his face turned red, and he started coughing. He had even jabbed a finger at Cole and ordered him to leave.

Kieran had coldly informed him that Lila was the woman he had fought to marry, and if Stefan kept insinuating otherwise, then there was no need for further negotiations. Only then had Stefan backed off.

But Cole had left anyway—of his own accord. To his surprise, Cole had taken the chance to complain to Lila, making it sound like he had been forcefully kicked out.

Kieran lowered his head and brushed his cheek against hers, his voice rich with amusement. "Do you not believe me, Lila? Or are you secretly admitting that you are quite the little enchantress? Here to drain me of my energy?"

Kieran arched his brow. "That's what you needed to talk about?" she had made such a big deal about having something important to say, and it turned out to be... this?

Lila tilted her head, thought for a moment, and then asked, "Granduncle Stefan and Ms. Moore—are they trying to help Morgan Group recover faster?"

Kieran pinched her nose lightly. "Mrs. Morgan, it's not help—it's a collaboration. They stand to gain far more than they're giving. This is a true win-win deal."

Lila nodded, watching as his long fingers absentmindedly twirled a strand of her hair. After a beat, she asked, "Do the Moores still want Ms. Moore to marry into the Morgan family? Are you planning to help her with that?"