Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Lila knew she wouldn't make the flight in time, so she switched to the high-speed train. She arrived in Portmere over an hour later than Amelia.

Along the way, Amelia had sent her multiple messages. Lila had planned to reply as soon as she got on the train, but before she could, her phone died.

After getting off at the station, she hailed a taxi and asked the driver for a charger. Once her phone powered back on, she texted Amelia.

But by then, Amelia had already reached the disaster zone, where the signal was unstable. She never got the message.

Amelia finally found Kieran at a temporary rescue center. He and Cole looked completely wrecked.

Their suits were filthy and torn. Their coats had been discarded somewhere, and their light-colored dress shirt was stained all over.

When Cole saw Amelia, he looked surprised. "Ms. Joyce? What are you doing here?"

Amelia frowned. "It's just the two of you?"

Cole's expression darkened. "Ms. Moore was injured. A rock fell, and she threw herself in front of Mr. Morgan to shield him. She just came out of surgery, we're waiting until she's stable enough to transfer to a hospital."

Amelia's brows knitted together. "Have you seen Lila?"

Cole looked confused. "Madam? She's here?"

Nearby, Kieran who had been standing with a neutral expression-snapped his head toward them, frowning.

never ran into her. She must've taken the train. Based on the timing, she

...

Lila still hadn't received any updates. She had tried calling both Kieran and Cole, but neither of their phones could

expression, the taxi driver couldn't help but ask, "Miss,

"My husband is there."

if you go, there's not

her lips together. "I know, but I won't be at

simply stepped on the gas, speeding toward the

due to aftershocks, sections of the road had

paid the fare, got out,

carefully avoided areas where loose rocks might fall, stumbling

went, the more devastating

"Help... help me..."

faltered. The faint cry

collapsed building lay in ruins, with

pinpointed the source, she immediately

and began carefully clearing

was removed, a small hollow space beneath the wreckage became visible. Inside, a mother was trapped, curled

have to be careful, any shift could cause

of the rescuers warned.