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

At the venue, the competition was still in full swing. Rafael and Henrik were seated at the judges' table, scoring the participants. Devin leaned in towards Rafael, whispering urgently, "Rafael, there's trouble."

...

"If you didn't do it, then what's the harm in a search? If you're afraid, it only proves you're the thief! Maybe you have it on you right now!" Lindsey, seeing Flora remain silent, grew more smug by the second.

Flora glanced at the gloating Lindsey, then turned to Aisha, her tone flat and unreadable. "Ms. Aisha, according to you, when the necklace went missing, you and your team here were all present, correct?" Aisha, quick to catch on, immediately retorted, "These people have been with me for years. They would never steal my necklace."

"Well, you never know. It's often the ones closest to you that you have to watch out for." Flora's laugh was soft, but it carried a chilling edge.

She suddenly reached out, grabbed Lindsey's wrist, and pulled her close. "You wanted a search? Let me help you."

Despite her slender build, Flora held Lindsey firmly in place, leaving her unable to move. Panicked, Lindsey screamed, "What are you doing? Let go of me!"

are

Aisha's expression darkened.

only served to fuel Aisha's destructive impulses. Rafael and Henrik arrived just then, seeing a

"Flora!"

was urgent and laced

Henrik, the chill in Flora's eyes quickly dissipated,

shifting to

was shocked to hear Flora call

be a nobody, but she was actually Henrik's sister,

woman was Henrik's

that Henrik had a sister, but he had protected her so well that she was almost invisible. Freed from Flora's grip, Lindsey quickly distanced herself from Flora, her eyes widening in shock at Henrik's words. They had always assumed Flora was powerless, at best someone trying to climb social ladders through dubious

Flora Irving of