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

"Miss Flora, the family head's special guest, can go right in," the bodyguard huffed, clearly losing patience.

"What?!" Candace's voice hit a high note. Wasn't Nathan supposed to be hosting just one VIP today? The thought sent shivers down her spine, making her feel like her back was about to burst.

...

Nathan had been waiting inside the villa, and when Flora showed up, he rushed over, all smiles. "Master Flora!"

Flora shot him a curious look. "What's this about a successor assessment?" Great, more work for her, she thought.

Nathan rubbed his nose, looking a bit sheepish. "Oh, it's nothing major. I'll just bring a few potential heirs over, you check them out, see if anyone stands out to you, and let me know." "You've got some nerve," Flora said, unimpressed.

Trusting her with something as crucial as picking the next successor? That was laid-back, alright.

"Let's go see what they've got," Flora sighed. Nathan grinned but kept his thoughts to himself.

"Just to be clear, I'm just observing. The assessment has nothing to do with me," Flora added lazily, following him. Suddenly, she remembered something. "Is there a Jaden among the successors?" Nathan paused, surprised. "Yeah, there is. Do you know him?"

"Yeah," Flora replied, hands tucked into her jacket pockets. "Last night, at the underground market, he called me a thief."

Nathan's expression changed dramatically.

...

In the garden, eight potential successors waited, a mix of nerves and anticipation hanging in the air. Jaden could feel the sweat on his palms.

"The family head is here!" the servant announced loudly.

The successors snapped to

attention, eyes glued to the

entrance. In walked a young woman with a staking figure, dressed in a black puffer jacket and gray wide-leg pants. Her jacket's collar covered her chin, but her eyes sparkled.

Nathan walked beside her, chatting away eagerly. She responded now and then, hands in her pockets, looking quite casual about the whole thing. Jaden's mind was racing! Was that really Flora?

He recalled the silhouette he'd seen before. He hadn't been mistaken-it was Flora. But why was she here? Even his grandfather treated her with utmost respect. This was the successor assessment day; no way his grandfather would bring in someone unrelated, unless-

Flora was the VIP!

But how could that be?

"Grandfather, who's this young lady?" one of the successors asked, confusion written all over his face.

Nathan took his time, "Let me introduce you. This is Miss Flora, my master-the very VIP I mentioned to you all!"

At the mention of 'master,' Flora shot Nathan a look. The old man seemed to be enjoying himself a bit too much.

The successors, seasoned as they

were, were stunned. This young woman, younger than them, was the VIP their grandfather had been talking about? The one with the power to decide the next head of the Neville family?

Jaden's face turned ashen, his hands trembling slightly at his sides. Flora really was the VIP.

"Master Flora, please, have a seat," Nathan gestured, settling Flora in.

Then, turning to the successors, he said, "Well, what are you standing around for? Didn't you bring gifts?"

The successors almost groaned. They had gifts, sure, but what if Flora didn't like them?

Yet, not giving anything wasn't an option either. Better to have something than nothing at all. With a sigh of resignation, one successor pulled out the gift he'd prepared: a sleek, modern hearing aid.