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

"The news reports said the earthquake wasn't too strong, only the central area was seriously affected. There were some collapses."

Lila looked up at Cedric, catching the key detail. "You said the rescue team has already been sent?"

Then, without waiting for his answer, she grabbed her coat, clutched her phone, and strode toward the door.

She was going to Portmere.

Cedric immediately stepped in front of her. "There could be aftershocks, it's still dangerous over there!"

"I don't care. I need to see Kieran with my own eyes to know he's okay."

Cedric knew there was no stopping her. The moment she stepped out, he hurriedly called Amelia.

The fastest way to Portmere was by plane, then switching to a high-speed train.

At this hour, Amelia might still have time to intercept her.

But before Lila even reached the lobby, her phone rang. It was Ella Barnett.

Since Matthew's accident on a variety show a while back, Lila had specifically asked Cedric to assign him a trainee assistant.

She answered the call while making her way to the parking garage.

Ella's voice was urgent. "Ms. Hart, Matthew got injured during a show today-he fell."

Lila's steps faltered. "What happened? How bad is it? What did the doctors say?" "He just got to the hospital. They're still running tests... but his thigh was pierced by a steel rod. The doctors said he's lost a lot of blood, it's serious."

Ella's voice trembled. "The production team came with us, but I'm scared. Can you come?"

Lila's grip tightened around her phone. Both situations were life-threatening.

Before she could answer, Ella sniffled and asked again, "Ms. Hart, can you hear me? Will you come?"

Lila hesitated for a moment, then responded hoarsely, "Okay. Wait for me."

At the same time, she quickly called Ethan and Michael.

By the time she arrived at the hospital, Matthew was still in the emergency room.

A leg injury shouldn't be fatal, as long as the main artery isn't damaged.

She kept telling herself that, watching the clock as her flight time crept closer.

Ella clutched the sleeve of her coat, silent tears streaming down her face. She wanted to sob out loud but didn't dare to.

It was her first time assisting on a shoot, and something this bad happened. Her career as a celebrity assistant was probably over before it even started.noveldrama

Ethan and Michael rushed in moments later. Lila wasted no time.

"I have to leave for Portmere right now. You two stay here and keep things under control. Make sure the police investigate properly-if this was intentional, we're not accepting any settlements. I want them in jail."

The staff members who had come with Ella shivered at the restrained anger in her voice.

Ethan nodded. He had also heard

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about the Portmere earthquawn.

can handle things here on my Michael should go with you, you two look out for each other

Lila hesitated, remembering what Cedric had said about possible aftershocks.

She shook her head. "Just take care of Matthew's situation. I can handle the rest."

At the airport, Amelia had already arrived, but after searching the entire terminal, she couldn't find Lila anywhere.

The plane was about to take off, but Lila still hadn't shown up.

Without hesitating, Amelia sent Cedric a message, "The plane's about to leave, but Lila never showed. Check if something happened on the way or if she took another flight."

As the announcement repeated over the speaker, Amelia hesitated for a brief moment, then boarded the plane.

By the time Amelia reached Portmere, switching from flights to trains to cars, the first wave of news reports had already been released.

The area where Kieran had gone was part of the landslide zone. There was still no word on him, Cole, or Faith.