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

Is Féraphine out of her mind asking for such a sky-high price?

Tom had already done his homework on Féraphine's consultation fees, which usually ranged from a few hundred million to maybe a billion at most. But this? This was several times that amount! Had he not been sure that he and Féraphine were total strangers, he might've thought he had somehow crossed her path the wrong way and this was her payback. But thinking it over, he couldn't recall any incident where he might've offended her; they hadn't even crossed paths before. He just chalked it up to Féraphine making an outrageous demand. "Two hundred billion, fine, we'll pay it! Get Féraphine over here to treat Cindy right now!" Tom muttered through gritted teeth, clearly feeling the sting of such a steep price. Two hundred billion! Féraphine better be sure she can actually cure Cindy!

...

After catching up with Crimson, Flora was about to settle down for a rest when Mr. Tanner showed up with Felene in tow. Mr. Tanner had swung by a few times before, but always seemed to drop by when Flora was catching some shut-eye, so he hadn't had the chance to see her. Knowing Flora's relationship with the team was a bit lukewarm, he only brought Felene along, hoping not to add to her stress. They were all genuinely worried about Flora, carefully sidestepping any talk of the competition-especially since Flora's hand was injured and she couldn't compete.

"Are you sure there's nothing seriously wrong with your hand? Can we really trust the doctors here?" Mr. Tanner asked, his voice tinged with worry. Flora's hand was critical, after all.

He wasn't one for conspiracy theories, but Flora's accident was just too odd, too suspicious. He always sensed there was someone out to get Flora.

"I'm aware of my own condition," Flora replied.

"If anything feels off, you must tell me," Mr. Tanner insisted. They'd head back to Austenberg immediately if needed!

Felene gave Mr. Tanner a knowing look. His concern was getting the better of him. Couldn't he see the

have

by and see how you're doing. Seeing you're okay puts our minds at ease We'll let you rest now," Mr. Tanner said after chatting for a bit and noticing Flora's fatigue. Standing up to leave, he paused mid-sentence and added, "Take care

was obvious she couldn't compete in the finals.

pitied her, others

what mattered most. Felene too looked a bit downcast and disappointed. Just when they had reached the finals,

up lightly, "I'm going to participate

What?

going to compete in the

Felene were

"But, your hand..."

to par anytime soon. With the finals looming, how could she possibly compete with an injured hand? The finals were all about practical skills, requiring the use of surgical tools. Meeting their skeptical looks with a small smile, Flora's