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

At that moment, Albert couldn't help but feel a bit out of place.

Grandpa Woods was a sharp old fox, choosing not to directly answer Fiona's question nor outright dismiss Albert's intentions.

Just because Fiona had recently returned from abroad didn't mean Grandpa Woods had any special opinion of her.

Jackson glanced at Fiona, giving her hair a playful tousle with a chuckle, "What brings you here today?"

Their easygoing banter left Albert simmering with frustration. He was the head of the Larkin family, had spent years in the States, and yet here was a younger generation daring to show him attitude. It seemed like America was changing.

With Jackson emerging as the star of the Woods family, Albert's ambitions extended beyond merely allying the Larkin and Woods families. He wanted Jackson to become part of the Larkin family through marriage.

“Had no classes today. Tried calling you, but got no answer. Nash said you were home, so I came by."

Their affectionate exchange brought a gentle, approving smile to Grandpa Woods's face.

While Albert thought of marrying a Larkin daughter into the Woods family, Grandpa Woods favored Fiona. Just from seeing Josie earlier, he sensed something was off-a weariness about her and a strange, lingering scent. "Time flies, doesn't it, old friend?" Albert mused.

He gestured towards Josie, continuing, remember Jackson and Josie growing up together,

pretty close. Sure, she slipped von et

this time, but I've talked to her. Young folks make mistakes and learn. Why hold on to grudges, right?"

Fiona's expression darkened at his words.

Albert's offhand remark seemed to brush off serious matters as trivial.noveldrama

"This is about the younger folks. Why should we, at our age, meddle in their

affairs?" Grandpa Woods wasn't biting.

Besides, ever

er since Fiona returned, he'd kept tabs on her. Her two visits

to the Stonnell family stirred up

more chaos than their usual annual troubles. The Woods family wouldn't want to get tangled up in such messes.

"We're not getting any younger, Albert. Let the young ones handle their issues. If they mess up, they need to own up, right?"

Fiona glanced at Grandpa Woods, finding him more likable than she'd thought.

With Grandpa Woods's words, Albert's face fell, though he didn't show much, just letting out a cold huff. Meanwhile, Josie's face turned ashen. If Albert really handed her over, it would be the end for her.

It would mean the Larkin family had abandoned her.

Everything she'd worked for would crumble.

No way was she letting that happen.

She clutched Albert's hand, squeezing it tight, and pleaded with Grandpa Woods, "Mr. Woods, I'm really sorry. I had no idea why those men in black were outside Everlast Half that night. I'm just a girl, powerless against so many. If I'd known, I would've taken extra precautions."