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

Jane had never been seen in such a light before, and the change in everyone's expressions was almost comical. Especially Fiona, who suddenly saw Jane in a whole new way. Fiona's eyes were wide with disbelief as she looked at Jane, and just a few seconds later, she gave her a big thumbs up. The room burst into applause, everyone thinking Jane's performance was top-notch!

This unexpected praise left Jane feeling a bit out of place. She had never been encouraged like this before, and a quick blush spread across her cheeks. Feeling shy, she lowered her head and hurried back to her seat.

She remembered how, in the past, whenever she stood up for Josie, even when she did better than this, Josie never had a kind word for her. Josie would just call her a useless loudmouth and say she should have slapped the person until they stayed down. But Josie never thought about what would happen if Jane went up against a family more powerful than the Smiths. Could Jane really keep them down for good?

Later on, Jane tried following Josie's advice with Fiona, but Fiona wasn't having it. Time and time again, Jane found herself getting pushed around, and Josie would just call her worthless.

But now, things were different. Jane slowly stood up, holding her wine glass, and downed her whiskey in one go, looking at everyone around the table.

"Thanks, everyone."

She wasn't much of a drinker; usually, she'd just have a couple of beers at most. As everyone continued to eat and drink, after the meal, Fiona and Jane headed to the restroom. Just outside, they spotted two girls who had come with Amy, whispering and scheming about something.

"I should've known better than to come out with Amy today. We should have gone to the charity gala. I heard there were loads of rich guys there. Just cozying up to one of them could sort out our family's problems."

Fiona squinted and quietly pulled Jane with her to eavesdrop around the corner.

"If Amy can really sort out our family's mess, today wouldn't be a total bust."noveldrama

Fiona listened and pieced it together. The girls who were with Jane today all had financial troubles at home. They had pinned their.

hopes on Amy, and maybe Ane

was

considering helping them, but they weren't sure.

"Did you see Amy's attitude? Does she look like she's going to help us? We might as well ask Fiona."

"Go ahead if you want; I'm not. Did you see Fiona's disdainful look? I'm not getting mixed up in that mess. If worse comes to worst, I'll just marry into another family. I'm old enough, and I can't stand tough times."

"I'm just talking. Who's really going to ask Fiona? We're out of options. If we had

the Smiths' wealth, we wouldn't be trailing behind Amy."

Fiona decided she'd heard enough

and pulled Jane away. As they walked out, the two girls by the restroom door went silent,

exchanging nervous glances, unsure

if Fiona had overheard them.

"Hey, Fiona, why don't we check out your new place later? I bet it's way too big for just one person."

Fiona turned to look at Jane, thinking she certainly knew how to play her cards right.