Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

The waiter brought out a new dish. Noticing that Amelia hadn't been eating much, Xyla said gently, "Ms. Joyce, you should try this, it's their signature dish. It's pretty good."

"She doesn't like the taste of cilantro."

The moment Vince said that, the entire table fell silent. All eyes turned to him.

Sure enough, the dish was garnished with finely chopped cilantro.

Xyla blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Her gaze flickered to Vince as if trying to process her confusion. "Vince, you sure know a lot about Ms. Joyce's preferences."

She kept her tone as light and natural as possible, even adding a touch of playfulness. But deep down, a tension settled in her chest.

Did he know her eating habits that well?

Hadn't Amelia said they weren't that close?

A nagging feeling crept into Xyla's mind like she was missing something important. And the more she thought about it, the stronger her unease grew.

Vince had spoken without thinking. The moment the words left his mouth, he felt the shift in the atmosphere.

He quickly composed himself, his voice calm as he answered Xyla's question. "I had dinner with Mr. Joyce once. He mentioned that he didn't like cilantro, and he happened to say his daughter didn't either. I just remembered."

gaze landed on him, her lips curling into a smile, but there was no warmth

her stare but said

end, Jamie stepped in, smoothly redirecting the conversation back to casual

all more or less finished, Jamie stood

had barely been gone a moment when Vince

the restroom and took only

around. "Jamie? What's up? I've noticed you haven't been in the best mood

it was clear

"Why are

Instead of answering, she asked, "Have you thought through your engagement with Ms. Zimmerman? You don't have

stopped abruptly.

effortless smile, though

step out and take

a phone call earlier, and she said she had, something to take care of, so

already left?" Jamie

know. They

worries. We were just

to Vince and Xyla before

her destination, he

voice was soft