too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 116

A camera held as much significance to a photographer as a child to their parents.

"What's going on?" Leonard scanned the scene and pointed at Leyla. "You. Speak up."

Lila picked up the camera and examined it carefully. The lens seemed fine, at least. She had anticipated that breaking ties with Dorian might bring troublemakers her way, but she didn't expect such clumsy yet infuriating tactics.

Caught off guard by Leonard's scolding, Leyla tried to speak but hesitated.

He was not one to wait. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

When the commotion outside caught his attention, Dorian had just returned to his lounge.

"What's happening?"

"Mr. Blake, it seems Ms. Hart had a conflict with someone. Do you want to check it out?"

Oliver, though new, was already aware of the history between him and Lila. Many in the crew were eager to curry favor with Dorian. As soon as the argument began, someone informed Oliver, figuring it might score them points.

In the entertainment world, everyone was calculating. If Dorian still cared about Lila, passing along this information would be a favor. If not, it would still do no harm.

However, Dorian's mind was still stuck on the nonchalant way Lila had called him "Mr. Blake" earlier.

Annoyed, he rubbed at the skin between his brows. "Leave her be."

She needed to face some hardships before she would come running back to him. This was exactly the outcome he had anticipated after subtly hinting that he wouldn't intervene in her affairs. He found it satisfying.

With a cold chuckle, he changed the subject. "What about that matter with Mr. Lane? Any updates?"

Oliver looked uneasy and spoke softly. "His assistant has been taking the calls and kept saying he's unavailable. I've tried several times."

Dorian's expression darkened further. "If the Lane Group wants to make things difficult, we'll lower our stance. Find out his schedule, and I'll visit him personally."

"No need." Kieran's calm, low voice carried a magnetic chill. His sharp features gave him an air of aloof elegance.

Lila didn't like adults meddling in her problems. He would let her handle it herself first. Later, he would quietly deal with those who didn't know their place.

Cole paused. He understood what he meant and didn't press further.

From a distance, Kieran's gaze fell on the striking figure in the crowd—a woman who was hard to ignore. Lila's expression was cold, her delicate features gentle yet distant, as if she carried an invisible barrier. She was like a flower growing on the edge of a cliff, isolated and untouchable.

Leyla, under the scrutiny of the crowd, appeared aggrieved. "I just accidentally bumped into her things. I even said I'd pay for it, but she's still aggressive."

Lila responded with casual indifference, "Whether it was accidental or not, the surveillance camera will show."

Someone interjected, "Isn't this such a trivial matter? Do we really need to make such a fuss?"