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

Dead!

Jackson's face went pale, and the atmosphere around him took on an ominous vibe. As he turned, his young assistant was so spooked he was left stammering, frozen in place, unable to move.

"Why did it suddenly die?" Jackson's deep voice echoed, his face a canvas of icy indifference. Those eagle-sharp eyes of his were especially fierce. "Find out."noveldrama

"Yes, sir."

The assistant didn't waste a second and dashed out of the office.

Half a mile away, the pressure was so intense it felt suffocating. Jackson stared out the window, his thoughts drifting. Whatever was on his mind made his fists clench so tightly they creaked. Anger radiated from him, and in a fit of rage, he punched the wall, causing a bit of dust to fall.

His knuckles were bloodied, with faint traces of blood oozing from the wounds, mixing with the wall's plaster. Jackson seemed oblivious to the pain, standing there, lost in thought.

After a while, Jackson finally moved, heading to his desk to grab his phone and dial a number. He was on the line for a good three minutes before hanging up.

...

As soon as school let out, Fiona spotted Jackson waiting for her at the entrance. The moment she climbed into the car, Nash joined them.

"What are you doing here?" Fiona asked, raising an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're going to the gala too?"

"Of course I am," Nash replied with a smug grin, like it was some sort of badge of honor. "It's all for the Woods family, after all."

Fiona glanced at Jackson. If Nash was right, and the gala was for the Woods

family, then her attending would basically confirm her ties with Jackson, wouldn't

it?

The three of them got out of the car together. The gala was taking place at the city's swankiest hotel, the

Golden Splendor. The place was net

swarming with luxury cars, and every so often, someone would step out with their date.

At the hotel's entrance, two hosts and the organizer stood waiting. When they noticed Jackson approaching, their faces lit up with welcoming smiles, eagerly sidling up to him, bowing deferentially. Mr. Woods, you're here! Please, come inside."

The red carpet was a bit wrinkled from all the foot traffic, and one of the hosts

bent down to smooth it out, still grinning obligingly.

As the trio entered, a spotlight immediately locked onto them. Fiona was in casual overalls, looking even more petite and adorable, her hands tucked in her pockets. The sudden light was uncomfortable, so she raised a hand to shield her eyes.

"Look down," Jackson instructed, taking her hand with one of his while using the other to block the glare. He coolly raised an eyebrow at the man beside him. "Turn it off."

In the blink of an eye, the spotlight moved away from them.

The man next to them broke out in a cold sweat, too intimidated to chat with Jackson. But he couldn't help but notice the young girl at Jackson's side. She looked strangely familiar.

Inside the ballroom, high society members turned their gazes to Fiona. She was striking at first glance, and the more they looked, the more they found her quite attractive.

From start to finish, Jackson never let go of her hand, showing her special favoritism and affection. Unlike the other women in evening gowns, Fiona's overalls made her stand out, giving her a playful, endearing charm.

Jackson was quite the star of the evening, and since this event was specifically for the Woods family, many social elites lined up to toast him. Even Nash got swept away by the crowd, leaving Fiona alone in no time.