Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 864

That evening, as they relaxed in the study, Owen finally told Mira about the chaotic events at the estate.

“Honestly, your family sounds even more toxic than the Mercers used to be.”

“That's mostly because the Mercers didn't have an overbearing patriarch trying to micromanage everyone. My grandfather does nothing but create obstacles.”

Owen sighed, looking utterly exhausted.

Yet, the old man had raised him. Because of that deep-seated familial bond, Owen couldn't just completely cut him off.

“Who says he's useless?

“If it weren't for him keeping things together, Lawrence would have driven the Lance Group into the ground years ago.”

Mira said, tilting her head thoughtfully.

Her ponytail swayed gently with the movement. Dressed in a soft pink cashmere sweater with a cute cartoon design on the back, she looked incredibly vibrant and radiant.

Unable to resist, Owen reached out and gently stroked her luminous forehead.

“I wouldn't care if the Lance family collapsed. It would make crushing those three a lot easier. All the old man does is get in my way.”

He muttered in frustration.

“Don't worry,” she teased playfully. “Your lady will always have your back.”

Mira had grown quite comfortable with their shameless bantering.

“Oh? You're finally admitting that you're my lady?”

Owen's eyes lit up, his dark mood instantly evaporating. He pulled Mira into his arms and captured her lips with intoxicating heat.

He kissed her until they were both breathless and flushed, the seductive tension thick in the air, before Mira finally pushed him back gently. “Alright, that's enough. I still have coursework and reports to get through. Let's focus.”

“Why don't you assign Lawrence to a massive overseas project? Ship him off so you don't have to look at his miserable face every day.”

Mira suggested after catching her breath.

“If I did that, the old man would throw a fit.

“I'd rather keep him right under my nose. The second he screws up, I'll have the perfect excuse to kick him out for good.

“The bigger the mistake, the better. My only fear is that he actually behaves.

“If he pulls a stunt like he did at the gala, the board will unanimously demand his removal.

“If Martha is overwhelmed, we'll hire another maid. Or two. We have more than enough money to keep this place fully staffed.”

“It's fine, I have plenty of energy. Think of it as my daily workout. If a person stops moving, they rust away.”

Mira knew Rachel was just trying to save her money. She made a mental note to contact an elite domestic agency herself soon to bring in extra help.

They had more people living in the house now, and Rachel refused to cut corners on the meals, cooking elaborate spreads every single time. The workload was undeniably massive.

Mira refocused on her screen as Rachel turned and headed down the stairs.

Right then, Mira's personal cell vibrated. She glanced at the screen—it was her uncle.

“Mira, why isn't your grandmother's phone connecting?”

“Her phone has been acting up. If you need something, you can call me directly.

“If I'm in class, just call Rachel. I'll text you her number right now.”

Mira replied smoothly, not missing a beat.

“Is this how you take care of her? If her phone is broken, why haven't you bought her a new one yet?”