Lila thought of Dorian’s face, which was even more bruised than Noah’s, and burst into laughter.
“Looks like you didn’t hold back this time,” she teased.
Noah gave her a wary look. “You don’t still feel sorry for him, do you?”
But he shook his head immediately. “No, that’s not you. You’re not one to cling to the past.”
Noah let out a dramatic sigh. “If I weren’t trying to be a law–abiding citizen, I would’ve broken his legs.”
Lila chuckled. “That’s fine, but next time, could you be a little more subtle? You’re a public figure. If you get suspended over this, it won’t be worth it.”
Noah grinned, showing his teeth. “Next time, I’ll just throw a sack over his head.”
Lila’s eyes curved into crescents. “Good. But with your face looking like this, don’t go back to the Morgan residence. Head to Uncle Kieran’s place. I’ll help you with the swelling.”
Noah slouched in his seat, looking every bit the spoiled rich kid.
“Can you sit properly? Try to fight less. You’ve got young fans, so don’t corrupt them,” Lila scolded lightly.
She paused, then asked, “Knowing Dorian, he wouldn’t let things go so easily. How did you get him to agree to a truce?”
Noah smirked, his eyes still closed. “You know what he cares about. He’s busy playing the devoted ex, trying to win you back, while sleeping with other women. Imagine if that got out. Think he’d survive the fallout?”
“His reputation,” Noah added.
He opened his eyes and stared at the scenery speeding past the window, sarcasm lacing his voice as he remarked, “His public image might seem perfect, but underneath, it’s completely rotten.”
After that, both of them fell silent.
When they reached Evergreen Heights, Noah stepped out of the car and suddenly asked, “Why did you splurge on such an expensive car?”
Although the Morgan family was wealthy and Lila’s allowance used to be more generous than Noah’s, she was never one to waste money. Even with both of them earning their own income, whenever Noah gifted her something worth tens of thousands, she still found it too expensive and repeatedly reminded him not to be so wasteful next time.
Lila flashed a rare, smug smile. She walked a few steps away, then paused, turning back to lean her elbow casually on the car.
“Uncle Kieran gave it to me. Do you think it suits me?” she asked playfully.
Noah’s face fell. “What? That’s so unfair! I asked him for a sports car once, and he refused!
“You have no idea how hard I begged! He’s so biased. I’m telling Grandma!” he complained, crossing his arms.
Lila smirked and dragged him toward the entrance. “We’re not the same. The car you wanted costs millions. Think of how many schools you could build in poor areas with that money.”
“I know, but still! Even if I didn’t buy it, Uncle Kieran is obviously playing favorites. He didn’t even humor me with a promise. I’m going to complain to Grandma.”
He was mid–rant when Lila suddenly stopped and called out, “Uncle Kieran.”
Noah’s words died in his throat. He looked up and met Kieran’s cold gaze.
He swallowed hard and muttered, “Uncle Kieran, why aren’t you at work?”
“If you don’t work hard and make money, who’s going to support us?” Noah added, trying to sound confident.
Lila pressed a hand to her forehead and gave Kieran an innocent smile. “He tripped and fell. You believe that, don’t you, Uncle Kieran?”
Kieran stared at them silently.
Noah nodded seriously. “It’s true.”
He wasn’t about to let the family know he had the officer call Lila instead.
Lila gave him a gentle push. “Go upstairs and clean up. I’ll put some ointment on you and ice the swelling later.”
Noah hurried off, leaving Lila and Kieran alone in the living room. She slowly leaned closer to Kieran.
Seeing her guilty expression, Kieran didn’t need to ask. “He went to teach Dorian a lesson, didn’t he?”
Chapter 167