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

"You don't have to keep protecting me. I can walk beside you." Her voice was barely audible.

Kieran slightly lowered his head, listening carefully to her words. He nodded but

didn't let go.

"Uncle Kieran." Vivian walked over with a glass of wine. "I heard Aunt Lila is here, so I came to see her. I hope you don't mind."

After finishing her sentence, she turned to Lila, seemingly unable to resist complimenting her. "You're so beautiful, Aunt Lila."

Lila looked at her, and when her gaze met Vivian's eyes, which were strikingly similar to Pierre's, her pupils shifted slightly.

"Uncle Kieran, you've been talking business the whole time, so it must be boring for Aunt Lila to listen. How about I take her to the Locke family's courtyard? There's no one out there, and there's food. Is that okay?"

Vivian's expression was sincere, and there was no sign of anything unusual. But before Lila could decline, a familiar voice interrupted. "Ms. Locke, I thank you on Lila's behalf for your kind offer, but you do not need to take her. She'll be with me."

Lila turned around and saw Amelia dressed in a black gown. Her long hair, usually loose around her shoulders, was now elegantly pinned up, giving her a more regal look. She already had an elegant and commanding presence, but now, she resembled a noble princess.

With her plan disrupted, Vivian didn't show any sign of discomfort. "You two can come together. Wouldn't it be better if I showed you around the Locke residence?"

However, Shannon, who was lingering on the outskirts of the crowd, had a cold look in her eyes.

Kieran looked at Lila and gently asked, "If you don't want to go, then stay by my side. If you're tired, we can sit over there for a while."

Amelia tugged at Lila's sleeve. "Don't worry. With Vince around, there's no point in staying with Kieran to talk business. I'm more curious to see what Shannon wants to do."

Lila glanced around the crowd and, sure enough, saw Shannon's icy gaze fixed on her. She then looked up to the second floor, where the uncomfortable gaze from earlier was now gone.

She reassured herself mentally, telling herself not to be afraid. Once she took the first step, the fear would vanish.

"I'll go rest outside for a while. I'll

come find

softly fo

าวน

you soon," Lila replied

Kieran. He nodded, said

nothing more, and quickly sent a message to Cole outside.

She followed Amelia out, Vivian trailing behind them. As they were heading to meet up with Vince, Amelia turned to Vivian. "Why are you following us around?"

"Why? Uncle Kieran didn't say I couldn't. I'm with Aunt Lila. Why are you so upset?" Vivian raised her gaze lazily.

Amelia frowned but didn't respond. In her mind, she muttered, "Boot licker."

However, when they reached the spot where Vince had been, he was nowhere to be found.

"Where's Vince?" Amelia asked, confused.

Lila scanned the surroundings. "Maybe he had something else to take care of."

They didn't go anywhere else and found an empty spot to sit. Vivian sat across from them and pushed two glasses of wine toward them.

"Have a taste?"

Lila looked into her eyes, still feeling uneasy. She pursed her lips and glanced at the pale pink drink, feeling a sense of wariness.

Amelia glanced at it, then took a sip. "It's nothing special."

Vivian smiled lightly. "This is the regular kind. If you want something better, I'll get

you a bottle from the Locke family's reserve."

She stood up, seemingly about to

go. Then, she turned back. "Ms. Joyce, how about you come with me? Those are Grandpa's favorites, and if you come along, at least I'll have an explanation."

Amelia, who was thinking about Shannon inside, stood up. "Lila, stay here. Vince

should be back soon, and I'll be back quickly, too."

Lila lightly pressed her lips together

and scanned the area. There were

still quite a few people around. Evennoveldrama

if Pierre came over, she would have a chance to call for help.