too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 195

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."

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 cause you serious trouble if they keep spreading."

"It's fine," she replied calmly.