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

Feeling Lila's mood shift, Kieran glanced sideways at her, assuming the text was something work-related.

In a gentle tone, he said, "If it's a hassle, we can get Cole to check on it."

Lila turned off her phone and shook her head lightly. "It's no big deal. Ethan can handle it."

Kieran said no more. He watched as she turned her gaze out the window.

Still, Cole received a message from Kieran. Treating it like an urgent mission, he thoroughly inspected everything at Magi Pictures but found nothing out of the ordinary.

There was only one noteworthy thing-Jamie had recently wrapped up filming a movie that she had taken on not long ago, one in which she played a supporting role. Today marked the end of production.

Kieran stared at the message. A brief pause later, he texted Cole, "Pick out a gift and send it over to Jamie."

After the tour led by Jeffrey, the group had dinner together. Kieran and Lila were then escorted back to their hotel in a show of respect.

Feeling Kieran holding her hand softly, Lila glanced up. "We've seen almost everything in Stenburg. Shall we head back tomorrow?"

Kieran turned around to look at her. "Do you still want to see the snow-capped mountains?"

She hesitated for a moment, but she flashed a faint smile as she raised her gaze. "We'll do that next time."

Then, as if to elaborate, she added, "We've been away for quite a while. I'm sure there's a mountain of work waiting for you at Morgan Group."

Lila knew how busy he was. Every night, he held video meetings. Cole, tasked to temporarily take over Morgan Group, was constantly on the move.

But that wasn't the main reason she decided to return.

In Rob's text, he mentioned Wilmer Corporation, currently managed by Alfredo. Specifically, the text mentioned Gordon Klime, the current deputy CEO of the company. He was the one who had liaised with the police back when the Morgan Group suffered from the leak of its core technology.

Lila remembered Gordon. When her dad, Henry Hart, was still alive, Gordon had visited their home for dinner.

Back then, Henry and Gordon were in charge of the leaked core technology. Perhaps, there was more to her dad's death than met the eye.

Kieran reached out and gently pinched her cheek. "You've been traveling around nonstop lately. You must be exhausted."

"It's less than a week until the New Year. Hilltop Heights should be ready for move-in by now. How about spending the holidays there?"noveldrama

Lila realized she had almost forgotten about the move.

They took a long flight back home, On the flight, Kieran handed her a small blanket and draped it over her. "Get Some rest. You'll wake up just in time for our arrival."

She nodded. Eyes closed, she slowly descended into an uneasy sleep.

In her dreams, she had traveled back to the morning her parents left home. Henry had received an urgent call. He quickly called out to his wife, Paula Scannell, and the two grabbed their coats to head out.

Lila ran up to them. "Don't go! Dad, Mom, please don't."

But Henry seemed unable to see or hear Lila. Holding Paula's hand, he passed right through Lila and left.

The dream replayed a few times. In

the final iteration, she stood before her parents, crying and pleading, begging them not to leave her behind.

"Dad, Mom, if you have to go, can't you take me with you?"

Unlike before, this time, Henry came to a stop in front of her.

His face was full of love. "Be good, Lila. We'll be back soon."

She watched as they held hands once more and walked out the door. Standing at the entryway, tears streamed silently down her face.

All of a sudden, Lila's eyes fluttered

open. She looked out of the plane window. Night had fallen, and the city beneath them glowed with lights.

She felt a soft touch on her face and turned to see Kieran beside her. He took the

tissue away and pulled her into his arms. "It's okay now."

Kieran knew Lila had probably dreamed of her parents. This wasn't the first time he had seen her cry in her sleep.

When they touched down, Kieran led Lila off the plane. She felt the solid ground beneath her feet but remained in a daze.