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

Tyler lobbed a fountain pen over with a triumphant grin, her eyes sparkling with victory. "From now on, we're

all in the same boat," she chuckled, "so there's no need to be so formal."

Fiona had already slipped out of the private room when the Bryant family caught on. They quickly turned their

attention to Tyler, trying to buddy up to her and hoping to squeeze out some valuable intel.

But Tyler wasn't spilling anything about Fiona's upcoming chat with the Woods family. She deftly dodged their

questions with playful chatter, leaving the three old foxes visibly frustrated. Once the contract was signed,

they shared a few courteous words before making a swift exit.

Meanwhile, Fiona had just pushed open the door to another private room when a woman from the Woods

family made a beeline for her. She was around Kimberly's age but not quite as striking.

"You don't mind if I call you Fiona, right?" the Woods woman said with a bright smile, guiding Fiona to a seat

beside her. She gestured to a plate of freshly peeled shrimp the server had just set down. "Fiona, the shrimp

here is top-notch. Give it a try-I heard from Jackson that you're quite the fan."

Fiona gave her a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. This woman was quite the storyteller.

Fiona knew Jackson inside out. He'd never blab about her preferences; he preferred to surprise her with

thoughtful gifts instead.

She didn't call her out, curious to see how long she'd keep up the act.

"Yeah, I do like it," Fiona replied casually.

"Great, eat as much as you want," the Woods woman carried on, chatting like they were old pals.

Their conversation was filled with trivialities, and Fiona kept her responses cool and steady. It was a classic

game of psychological endurance.

Fiona smirked slightly. She wasn't

fussed; she had all the time in the

world. The Woods family, though,

might not be so lucky. If their elders

found out they were meeting her on

the sly, their whole faction could

face swift repercussions, possibly

even expulsion. noveldrama

That was the Woods family's strict rule: forming private alliances came with severe consequences.

Sure enough, after a few minutes of

small talk, the Woods

representatives grew impatient. The

woman leading the group finally got

down to business.

"Fiona, you've had your fill, so let's

talk shop," she said, sliding a blank

check across to Fiona. "We know

about your ties with Jackson and

your standing in the Stonnell family,

as well as your role heading

International Glam. Our goal is

simple; we want the design rights for

the next season."

Fiona didn't turn them down, keeping her smile while sipping on her lemonade.

"Ms. Fiona, we're genuinely serious about this. You can write any amount you want on this blank check."

Fiona's eyes lit up with feigned surprise. "Really, any amount?"

The Woods family members exchanged confused looks. Had they not been clear enough?

"Absolutely, Ms. Fiona, write whatever you like."

"Perfect!" Fiona replied cheerfully.

She then took the pen and started jotting down a series of nines beginning with a billion, leaving the Woods

family utterly flabbergasted.