Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Servers in elegant evening gowns and sharp suits glided through the crowd, offering drinks and hors d'oeuvres, adding a unique charm to the whole scene.

Everlast Hall was spacious enough to hold quite a crowd; even now, you couldn't see the end of it at a glance. Though the night was as dark as ink, the estate's lights made it bright as day.

Jackson led Fiona to a table loaded with gourmet treats and handed her a slice of mango cake. "You skipped dinner. Have a bite to keep you going. Once we're done here, I'll take you out for some late-night grub."

The mention of late-night eats lit up Fiona's eyes. She couldn't resist licking her lips, leaning in to whisper, "I'm craving barbecue."

"Whatever you want," Jackson replied with a smile that showed he was wrapped around her finger.

He wasted no time arranging for ingredients to be prepped and ready at their place, so they could feast when they got back.

As Fiona indulged in the mango cake, the sweetness burst in her mouth, invigorating her senses.

Before long, the same folks who had been gossiping at the entrance sidled up to Jackson, eager to win him over.noveldrama

One of them even offered a selection of photos of young, beautiful college

women, flashing a sycophantic grin. "Mr. Woods, these ladies are as fresh as they come. Interested?"

Jackson's brow furrowed. What were they up to?

Fiona was right there. Were they trying to stir up trouble, upset her to the point where he couldn't calm her down?

Seeing Jackson's silence, they exchanged knowing glances, assuming he fancied them all.

"Mr. Woods, if you're interested in all of them, we can chat privately."

"Absolutely, Mr. Woods. We can get you any type of woman you want. Just say the word."

Jackson's face darkened as he stood on the brink of anger.

Unexpectedly, Fiona leaned over to glance at the photos, her finger tracing the screen. The women were the epitome of sweetness and delicacy, like the idealized heroines in romantic novels. S to'

"Jackson, these girls are really something," Fiona said with a light laugh, though her eyes remained serious. She added, "So, if you have these girls, does that mean you won't want Fiona anymore?"

Feigning a pout, Fiona's expression turned playfully sad. Jackson clenched his fists and swung at the

man with the pictures, glaring fiercely. "Who do you think you are, coming here with your nonsense?"

The rest were puzzled.

Sure, these women might not hold a candle to the one beside Jackson, but they were still rare beauties. Who wouldn't be interested?

Could it be that Jackson wasn't into any of these types?

Just then, Shelly strolled over with Tyler, casually draping an arm over Fiona's shoulder. "What's the deal, Fiona? Stirring up trouble again?"

Shelly looked around, scoffing. "I thought it was something serious. If they give you grief, just let me know. I'll have my folks handle them."

Fiona didn't say a word, just glanced at Shelly. She was surprised to see Tyler being dragged along by Shelly, and as soon as he spotted Fiona, he pulled away from Shelly's grip.