Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

The photo was labeled "Meredith", with a date from 13 years ago.

At that time, Lila hadn't yet met Kieran.

"Uncle Kieran," she said, trying to keep her voice casual. "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd find a book to read."

Kieran had already cleaned himself up, and he was wearing a gray suit that made him appear even more refined and distinguished.

With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his figure was perfectly proportioned.

He approached her, bending down to pick up the photo.

Lila glanced at it—it was a picture of a girl in a white dress.

"If you want to look at it, you can take it to your room. Sitting on the floor like this might give you a chill."

Lila nodded. "I'll take it with me then."

She walked toward the door with the book, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kieran carefully place the photo on the desk.

...

Back in her room, her phone rang.

She realized she had forgotten to reply to Amelia's message from yesterday.

She seemed unaffected though, sending another message today.

the country overnight. They said she was sent back to the Locke residence and punished

how to respond when

only person he

as people, and

replying, "I guess that's what family is like—

yourself. I won't be around these next couple

instinctively asked, "What

was no response from Amelia, so Lila sent a message to Charlotte to check

reply came quickly. "She

Lila was dumbfounded.

who it was, wondering

a moment of indecision, she

caught off guard

turned to Benjamin, confused. "She's not even curious?

gossip expert like

smiled. "Though Lila is young, she's much

a clear sense of affection

she first learned Amelia had been chasing another girl around the

almost thought the Joyce family wouldn't have any heirs

seeing her

had specifically

stood why Benjamin and

liked Lila so

more after that. After

about Amelia dating