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

"Even if it's a hassle, I'm going because my brother asked."noveldrama

Fiona twirled a pencil between her fingers, recalling how she'd promised ages ago

to bring Nash's mom some design sketches. Her memory, alas, wasn't the sharpest over time.

"Don't come crying to me later," Nash grumbled, turning back to his seat.

The next day, Jackson swung by to pick her up for the trip to the Woods estate. Fiona didn't notice anything off about Jackson, but Nash, usually so smug, now looked like a worried old hen.

"Brother, will those uncles and aunts be mean to me?"

Fiona clung to Jackson's sleeve, pretending to be scared, though her face betrayed nothing of the sort.

"They'll love you, Fiona," Jackson reassured her.

Nash snorted, "Yeah, right!"

Jackson stayed cool and composed, calmly telling the driver, "Drop Nash off at the next exit."

Nash stared in disbelief, "What??"

"Jackson, we're on the highway!"

"Exactly, it'll be harder for you to catch a ride back."

Nash was at a loss for words. Jackson was such a bully! He was definitely going to tattle!

Fiona wasn't a fan of car rides, and nestled in Jackson's arms, she drifted off into a sweet sleep, comforted by his soothing scent.

Before long, they reached the Woods estate. Fiona was taken aback by just how wealthy the Woods family was. The estate was like a sprawling manor split into an inner and outer residence. The outer grounds alone boasted gardens, fountains, and all sorts of fancy stuff-way beyond what she'd imagined.

After a short stroll, they arrived at the inner residence where the Woods family lived. This part was made up of several luxurious villas, each home to a branch of the family.

Fiona obediently let Jackson lead her into the main house, where several of the Woods uncles were already waiting, including Nash's mom.

Jackson confidently took the main seat, pulling Fiona down beside him, pretty much confirming all the rumors flying around.

"What do you mean by this, Jackson?" one uncle squinted, looking between Jackson and Fiona, "A pretty face, but what else?"

"Jackson, if looks are all you care about, there are plenty of polished ladies in New York. Why bring in someone whose background is unclear and doesn't know her place?"

"Uncle, that's not fair. What do you mean Fiona's background is unclear or that she doesn't know her place? Your daughter might have a clear background, but how much does she actually know?" Nash's mother shot back, a light laugh in her voice, "Oh, and I heard your daughter couldn't even get into high school without a hefty donation to the top one in New York."

A few casual words, and the uncle's face turned crimson with anger, nearly leaving him breathless.

The tension among the uncles was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"What do you mean by this? No matter her flaws, my daughter is still a Woods, You can't compare her with some common town girl," the uncle@neered, eyes narrowing with disdain. "We're here to sort out issues affecting the family's reputation. Going off-topic won't help, and the Woods' influence in New York is vast. Any misstep could lead to significant losses."

"Losses are losses. Is the Woods family really that strapped for cash?" Nash

suddenly chimed in, standing beside his mother.