Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Lydia glanced out the window, worry etched on her face. "Ms. Claire, it seems elderly folks are living in those houses. Should we warn them?"

I checked the digital clock in the car and the packed seats around us. All I could manage was, "Crack open the windows and warn about the flood. Someone try calling the local emergency services and let them know to prioritize these seniors."

In the face of disaster, I realized the limitations of what we could do. My priority was to ensure the safety of those with me first and, if possible, extend help to others after. So, we drove away from those homes.

We finally reached our designated safe spot, which was already full of people. As we emerged from the cars, laden with food and water, eyes turned toward us. Our group, complete with maids and security in uniform, stood out among those who had fled with nothing. "We'll just keep enough food and water for ourselves. The rest we'll give to the elderly and the kids."

I instructed the security team. We settled on a patch of ground, and soon, more people arrived, jostling around, children crying, and some even brought along their livestock.

"Downstream is already flooded, and there's a power outage. No telling how many couldn't evacuate in time," one of the bodyguards muttered, scrolling through his phone.

I took the device from him. "Has Claude not called back?"

preparations. His

got through to Richard, who sounded frantic.

to know I was

"Yes, it's me. Are you with the rescue team? We're at the Elmwood Springs Fire Department's evacuation center." Richard sounded worried. "God, Claire, why are you in Elmwood Springs? Are you okay? I've been looking

he had been worried after all. In this chaos, he was the

find you. I was about to report you

we need help. There are a lot of people

in Elmwood Springs? I'm on my way. Someone's keeping an eye on you, right? Wait for me!" Richard likely hadn't caught up with the

safe for now," I reassured

team," I replied coldly, ending the call without giving away

a

the flood weighed heavily on me. While looking around, I saw children' quietly resting in their moms