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

Jane fell silent, a wave of sadness washing over her. She had thought about this before, but the idea of witnessing the downfall of the Thompson family was just too much to bear. With a determined look, she said, "No matter what, I'll give it everything I've got."

Fiona nodded, not because Jane's words were particularly eloquent, but because the determination in Jane's eyes was unmistakable.

"Why don't you figure out what you want for lunch first?" Fiona suggested with a smile.

Jane pretended to think hard for a few seconds before blurting out, "Butter garlic shrimp! Spicy grilled shrimp!"

That was right up Fiona's alley.

The group headed to The Golden Spoon for lunch, a cozy spot just a ten-minute drive from campus. Jane, a true New Yorker, had eaten there countless times, but dining with the Thompson and Wallace families gave her an extra boost of confidence.

"Bring out all your signature dishes for this lady here," Jane announced, tossing her VIP card to the waiter with the flair of someone who knew their way around luxury.

"If Fiona sees you being so extravagant, she'll definitely cry poverty," Tyler joked, with a teasing grin.

Meanwhile, Jackson and Fiona were making their way from the parking lot when they noticed a girl from the Wallace family sneaking into The Golden Spoon's VIP room with a guy from the Thompson family. Exchanging a knowing look, they followed but were quickly stopped.

The VIP rooms at The Golden Spoon had facial recognition systems, so sneaking in was out of the question. This little encounter hinted that the Thompson and Wallace families weren't as hostile as they appeared. In another room, Jane was peeling a big bowl of steaming shrimp,

offering it to Fiona.

"Fiona, I heard from Nash and Tyler that you love shrimp. I just peeled these for you, give them a try," Jane said, her voice as warm as the shrimp.

Fiona walked in just in time to hear Jane's words, playfully pinching her cheek. Behind Fiona and Jackson were a few girls who glanced over, catching Jane's gesture.

Among them

m was Amy and her

classmates. Amy, did you see that? Some people just can't resist being lapdogs wonder if her family knows. If the Kidd family found out their daughter was playing the sycophant, wouldn't they be livid?" one of them sneered.

Amy took a peek inside and chuckled, "If you've got the gift of gab, why not use it more?"

They laughed loudly, lingering at the door for a few more minutes.

"With all that flattery, shouldn't she be feeding her shrimp by now? Doesn't she

know how to play her part?" another chimed in mockingly.noveldrama

Jane felt her grip tighten around the bowl, slammed it down, and marched to the door, confronting them with a fiery glare.

"If you're such an expert on sycophants, you must have cozied up to plenty of people yourself to get this good at it! So why don't you butter up your friend here? Maybe she'll take pity and treat you to a few more meals at The Golden Spoon."

With that, Jane slammed the door shut, her anger reverberating in the silence left behind.