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

Esther: "???"

Okay, that was dramatic.

But honestly? Esther decided to trust Fiona anyway, giving her a small smile. "Alright, I'll do what you say."

Once Esther left, Fiona glanced up, her sharp, bright eyes catching Tyler's. He looked like he was a million miles away.

"What's up? Something on your mind?"

Tyler shook his head, but then let out the thoughts he'd been holding in. "I just have a bad feeling about Esther."

"Go on," Fiona prompted.

"She was in such a rush to find us. That tells me Country M's probably decided to just let the whole chip- Esther situation play out. She came straight to us, told us everything. Honestly, from the very start, she's been the chip-Esther. But I don't think the real Esther is actually dead."

"And there's something else," Tyler added after thinking for a bit. "Back on the island, Jane said Esther was arrogant and impossible—totally not the weak, helpless person we met today. If this really is the chip-Esther, she'd never act like that. When she was competing on the island, it was obvious she had serious connections. If she got replaced, it was probably because of her own choices."

Fiona listened quietly, feeling a flicker of pride. Tyler was definitely getting more observant.

That was progress.

a worn little notebook. "So, do you think this

hesitation. "The chip-Esther's starting to think for herself, just like Amy

to the Stonnell estate, then. There are a few people there

They headed out

the drive over, Tyler focused on the road, while Fiona settled back and

the real Esther; then, take out the research team from Country M. Only then could she break free from their grip and finally get some peace—maybe even buy herself

her a solid excuse to pay a visit to the Country M

out cold the moment she got in the car, only waking up when they pulled up to

car rolling up. The guards at the

trouble herself

Now what?

bolted inside to warn the others. Nobody in their right mind would dare

estate's front gates. Fiona slowly woke up, blinking herself back to life, looking

soft and a little raspy. She glanced down and noticed

Tyler said. "No point in getting

straight into the estate. Not a single