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

It felt incredibly liberating!

He hadn't felt this good in ages!

He had been suffocating just moments ago, but Flora's words washed over him like a breath of fresh air, urging him to let loose for once. Why should he care about the Austenberg interests now? They were being bullied right on their doorstep, and not fighting back would be utterly ridiculous.

"If only you all had a fraction of Flora's sense, I'd sleep better at night," Mr. Tanner sighed, clasping his hands behind his back as he strode away, leaving Joy, Debra, and the others in a state of confusion.

---

The office was thick with tension.

Tommy brooded over Flora's earlier words, feeling increasingly irritated. Flora alone wasn't much of a concern to him; he never took her seriously. But behind her stood Connor, that wildcard who was unpredictable in his defense of her.

"Mrs. Falcone, aren't you going to do something about your son?" Tommy's glare darkened as his frustration grew, sweeping over Amanda.

"You know how it is, I've never been able to rein him in," Amanda responded helplessly. "Once he's set on something, there's no changing his mind. And honestly, I don't want to."

The whole mess had been stirred up by the White family. If Abbey had the nerve to make a move, she had to stand her ground; why should Amanda play the villain?

Her son was protecting Flora as if she were his heart and soul. Trying to persuade him now would only worsen her already strained relationship with Connor. Tommy's mood soured further at Amanda's apparent indifference.

to every family on Lone Island. Are you really going to let Connor continue with

of true manhood. Of course, these were thoughts Amanda kept to herself, not daring

if I could, but my hands are tied. Besides,

with anger. Abbey clenched her teeth, hatred simmering in her downcast

had tried so hard to win Amanda over, yet Amanda refused to support her, siding instead with

Flora was out

she'd handle it her way.

Ridiculous.

---

In the car.

aura from before completely gone as she snuggled into Connor's embrace, her

for

QUMS

without moving, and

"Fifteen minutes."

no word

was just making idle threats for the fun of

follow-up to me,"

embrace Dealing with scum, after all, was more