Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Chapter 193

Lila sat quietly, watching as Dorian's performance faltered on stage. His delivery lacked emotion, his presence off-kilter—a stark contrast to his usual charisma.

Michael, seated beside her, finished his quip and turned to glance at her, expecting a response. What he saw instead was someone entirely calm, her gaze steady and detached. Her long lashes fluttered with each blink, but her eyes betrayed no emotion.

To anyone watching, it would seem as if the man on stage were a complete stranger.

Dorian himself realized something was wrong. When he stepped off the stage, his movements were unsteady, his confidence shattered.

He knew.

This role wouldn't be his.

His assistant rushed over, concern etched on their face. "Mr. Blake, are you alright?"

Dorian ignored the question, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Lila's now-empty seat.

His fists clenched tightly at his sides. Throughout Michael's audition, Dorian had seen traces of Lila's guidance in every movement, every nuanced expression. She had shaped Michael's performance-those habits were unmistakably hers. Rage flared within him. She had guided him for five years he knew her habits better than anyone.

same energy toward supporting him instead of clinging to her supposed grudge, he wouldn't have been distracted, and this role would have been his without

glanced at his expression and dared not say another word. He could only quicken his

alarm bell instantly went off in his mind. However, he couldn't stop Dorian, who was already

closed the distance in just a few strides and grabbed

immediately pushed him away, her

usual play demeanor shifting into mockery. "Why

when you can't

just

keep up? Honestly, how did you ever win awards with such bad acting? Don't tell me you relied on Lila to help

words hit Dorian right where

growled, his bloodshot eyes making him look like a crazed beast. "If you want to get back

lips curling into a brief, scornful smile. "Get back

Let's go." She tugged at Michael's

Did I say you could go?" Dorian lunged forward, but

to tolerate you anymore." Michael took a few steps backward, waiting until Dorian stopped in his tracks before turning

move, Michael rolled down the window and