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

Stefan glanced at Faith, then at Kieran, before finally settling his gaze on Lila. "Alright. You young people are all full of ideas. I can't control you. Do whatever you want."

Lila frowned, puzzled. A bet? And then what? What did he mean by doing whatever they wanted?

Seeing her confusion, Faith stepped closer to them. "The terms of my bet were that if I won, Mr. Stefan would represent the Morgan family in negotiations with the Moore family, persuading them to help reconnect Morgan Group's severed international supply chains.

"Even though I've been managing Moore Group, the authority still rests with the family."

Kieran looked at her. "You want control of Moore Group?"

"That would be ideal. If not, then I'll leave and start my own business. All I ask is that I have your support when the time comes." Her gaze remained firm. "Morgan Group and Moore Group working together will require major media coverage. I will, of course, represent Moore Group.

"But given how stubborn the Moore family is, they'll still push for a marriage alliance. So I've thought it through. If I give them even the slightest indication that it's possible, they'll be willing to invest more money."

Kieran chuckled. "I've said this before. I refuse any collaboration that involves personal feelings. Whether it's a real marriage, a fake one, or even a mere suggestion of it, I won't entertain any of it."

Lila looked up at him, emotions swirling in her mind. It was impossible to describe how she felt at that moment.

Faith pressed her lips together, unsure of how to continue the conversation.

Stefan's expression turned angry. "You brat! Why are you so stubborn?"

Stefan would help Kieran if the latter compromised. Why was Kieran taking the hard way out?

Stefan had been waiting, growing increasingly anxious that Kieran might not be able to hold out. He had sent people to investigate and knew that Kieran was working tirelessly, traveling back and forth between countries, barely taking a moment to rest.

He also knew Faith had already proposed the fake marriage idea to Kieran and Lila.noveldrama

It was a mutually beneficial solution, yet Kieran refused!

Kieran met Stefan's furious gaze, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You know I can resolve Morgan Group's crisis. It's just a matter of time.

"And you know exactly what I did on my trip abroad."

Stefan fell silent. He knew that countless people were waiting for Morgan Group to go bankrupt, eager to swoop in and take advantage of the chaos.

Stefan studied Kieran. Perhaps he was getting old.

For a brief moment, he wondered if he would have been able to remain calm if he

was in Kieran's place. Perhaps he wouldn't be as calm as Kieran.

Also, he had never expected Kieran to abandon business ties with Falkorta and its affiliated regions, turning to their rival nations and previously overlooked countries.

The enemy of an enemy was a friend.

Those overlooked countries might not have Falkoria's financial power. But they could make a significant impact if they worked together.

More importantly, Kieran's goal was no longer just about restoring Morgan Group.

It was about showing Falkoria who held the power.

The very nations they once dismissed might just be the ones to rise. Even the smallest crack can cause a dam to collapse.

When Kieran said he could resolve Morgan Group's crisis, it wasn't just empty talk.

Kieran turned to Faith. "If Ms. Moore is sincere about the partnership, Morgan Group will always welcome cooperation."

With that, he nodded to Stefan and led Lila away by the hand.

Stefan's expression remained tense. Faith pressed her lips together, watching them leave silently.

Kieran opened the car door and

ushered Lila into the passenger seat

before getting in himself. Without a

word, he started the engine and headed straight toward Vermilion Estate.

Lila could sense the shift in his emotions. It was cool and controlled, but laced with an underlying tension.

Just moments ago, he had spoken to Stefan so calmly, seemingly in good spirits. Was Morgan Group's situation worse than he let on?

After a long silence, Lila finally gathered the courage to look at him. "Kieran, is..."