too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 120

Leyla would settle the score one day. But for now, she let her tears flow freely, clutching at Lila's dress.

Lila frowned at the gesture and stepped back. "Stand up. I don't need your apology on your knees!"

Leyla ignored her, remaining kneeling as she choked out. "I'm sorry, Ms. Hart. It's my fault. I don't have the money. My father is still in the hospital, and all my money is spent on his medical bills. I'm begging you, please forgive me…"

The crowd, which had just been filled with condemnation toward her, now felt a wave of sympathy after hearing her words.

They looked at Lila as though she were the real instigator in this situation.

Leonard, Jamie, and Teddy all frowned.

Lila frowned, too, narrowing her eyes and taking another step back. "I have no personal grudge against you. You've brought this trouble upon yourself, and I have no obligation to forgive you. Compensation is your responsibility."

Leyla hadn't expected Lila to be so unsympathetic.

She bit her lip, her voice trembling with sobs. "But I have no money. I really don't. If I give you everything, my dad won't have money for treatment. He'll die... Please, I'm begging you to let me go."

Leonard rubbed his temples, clearly conflicted, and hesitantly glanced at Lila.

Lila took a deep breath. "Stand up. Stop making it look like I'm bullying you. Paying for what you broke is your responsibility."

Worried this scene might stir up trouble if it leaked, Jamie and Teddy promptly pulled Leyla to her feet.

Lila noticed Leonard's uneasy expression and paused before saying, "I'm willing to accept a written IOU."

This was the biggest concession she could make. After all, this was Jamie and Teddy's first film. If something went wrong because of this, the consequences could snowball.

Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that something about this incident was off.

Lost in thought, she checked her camera, her heart aching for the damage. Even with compensation, the gift from Kieran could never be restored to its original state.

Seeing the pained expression on her face, the onlookers speculated whether the camera was a gift from Dorian. But if he had given it to her, why had she rejected the chance to reconcile with him during that high-profile livestream?

Their curiosity grew, and the desire to gossip became even stronger.

Leonard snapped, "Why are you all still standing here? Don't you have work to do?"

The crowd dispersed reluctantly after the show was over.