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

Another voice spoke up in the restroom. "Who knows? That woman only has her looks going for her. She has no family background and no real talent. What is she even doing in the entertainment industry?

"Let's be honest, isn't it just another form of selling herself? And Mr. Morgan doesn't seem to mind."

"Shh, keep your voice down," the first girl whispered. "If anyone from the Morgan family hears you saying that, you're done for! No matter what, she's the one the Morgan family is backing now."

"If she were clean, would people even have anything to say? I heard she was with her ex-boyfriend for five or six years. There's no way she's still pure. She—"

As the girl turned around, she saw Lila leaning casually against the doorframe. Her hand trembled in shock, and her lipstick fell to the floor with a loud clatter. The lipstick rolled across the floor and stopped right at Lila's feet.

Lila bent down, picked it up, and handed it back to her.

"My hands aren't dirty, but this thing of yours is pretty filthy," Lila remarked as she let go of the lipstick.

The girl's face went pale instantly.

Lila's words clearly responded to her earlier comment, indirectly calling her out for her foul mouth.

The girl was furious but didn't dare say much more.

The Morgan family protected Lila. If things escalated, she'd be the one to suffer. Even her family might face consequences as well.

She bit down on her lip, her expression mixed with humiliation and anger.

The other girl tugged her arm and said, "Good day, Ms. Hart. We've got things to do, so we'll be going now."

After the two left, Lila turned on the faucet when another person stepped out from one of the stalls.

Speak of the devil.

Unlike her professional outfit from earlier, Shannon was now wearing a fitted black gown that showed off her figure.

Her long hair was tied neatly in the back, giving her a polished yet more mature and alluring appearance.

For a fleeting moment, Lila couldn't help but admire her. Shannon really was beautiful.

Shannon approached, stopping two or three steps away. She watched Lila wash her hands meticulously.

Just as Lila was about to leave, Shannon finally spoke up. "Even if you've used your tricks to stand by Mr. Morgan's side, it won't last.

"You'd be better off knowing your place and leaving alone. At least that way, you'd hold on to some dignity.

"If you keep being stubborn, you'll hear more things like what those two just said." Lila pulled out a tissue and began wiping her fingers one by one.

"So, you think you'll have a chance if I leave?"

Lila's words were blunt, and Shannon let out a soft laugh. "Even if you stay, your time by Mr. Morgan's side won't last long."

"Since you're so confident about that, there's no need to drive me away then."

"I just don't want someone like you tarnishing someone as exceptional as Mr. Morgan," Shannon said, narrowing her eyes.

"Lila, after all that the Morgan family has done for you, are you really going to repay their kindness with betrayal?"

Lila had finished drying her hands.

She tossed the tissue into the trash can and said, "You see, I've always had a rebellious streak. The more people tell me not to do something, the more I feel like doing it.

"What do you think I should do about that?"

As she spoke, she casually brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen in front of her face.

Her tone was so casual that it seemed she didn't take Kieran or the idea of marriage seriously.

But that nonchalance only infuriated Shannon.

"You!" Shannon's chest tightened with frustration, leaving her momentarily speechless.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

Why had she allowed herself to be riled up by this girl?

Even as she regained her composure, the mocking undertone in her voice was unmistakable.

"I must admit, I underestimated you," Shannon said. "But I'm curious. If Mr. Morgan were to find out that you're still entangled with another man, do you think he'd still want you?"

Lila wondered... Had she been particularly close to any man recently?

None came to mind.

Shannon's smirk grew contemptuous as she saw Lila's confusion. She pulled a photograph from her pocket.

"This is your ex-boyfriend, isn't it?"

Lila glanced at it briefly.

It was Dorian, seated in his wheelchair, looking just as he had the last time she

had seen him.

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

Someone photographed her meeting Dorian that day.

Was she being followed?

"He's outside the venue right now," Shannon continued, her tone

with satisfaction. "If you do aced

him, he might just barge

Lila couldn't hold back a laugh. For a moment, she had expected some grand scheme.noveldrama

But this? It was barely different from the threats Dorian had once tried to use against her.

Her interest vanished instantly.