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

She sat with cool confidence in the director's chair, not a flicker of fear crossing her face. The bright lights only enhanced her stunning beauty, making her even more captivating.

In front of her stood a man, cigarette poised between his fingers. His expression was dark, yet carried an air of supreme confidence as he leaned against the doorframe, watching her intently.

They locked eyes for what felt like forever, until the man finally broke the silence. "No one's ever dared to venture into Zone F alone. You're the first."noveldrama

"And I plan on being the last," Fiona responded with a soft chuckle. She casually tossed the bracelet she always wore onto the table and smiled, "Gerald Foster, long time no see."

The man's expression shifted but he quickly regained his composure. "Young lady, I have no idea what you're talking about."

Fiona didn't bother with further explanations, brushing off his comment like lint from a sleeve.

"Actually, Gerald's known who I am for quite some time, but the influence of the Stonnell family kept him from acting. Now, by cornering me here, he plans to keep me in Southeast Asia, come what may."

The realization hit Fiona like a flash. She got up from the chair, her eyes gleaming with sharp determination, a confident, cold smile curving her lips.

She approached Gerald, placing a hand lightly on his shoulder, her voice clear and steady. "Seems someone in the Stonnell family has given you the green light."

"Who do you think you are, talking to our boss like that?" a woman's voice snapped from behind Gerald. Her hand shot up, aiming for Fiona's face, but in a heartbeat, there was a bang and the woman hit the ground.

"Oh dear, this lady is quite terrifying. Doesn't she know these things can go off accidentally? I'm young and easily startled; you can't blame me if something goes off," Fiona remarked with mock innocence.

The men Gerald brought with him kept silent, all recognizing that Fiona was not to be underestimated, despite her innocent demeanor.

"Looks like you've got some smarts," Gerald noted, surprisingly unfazed by the turn of events.

"I'm curious, though. Since you know who I am, what did the Stonnell family promise you to make you dare take a shot at me?” Fiona

asked her curiosity piqued a net

she

glanced around, noticing the tack of fear despite the body on the floor.

"The Stonnell family's illegitimate daughter-they'd love nothing more than for you

to disappear. If I take you out, the Stonnell family owes me a favor."

Fiona almost stumbled. Did Gerald just claim she was the Stonnell family's illegitimate daughter?

If her parents heard that, they'd probably storm right over to the Stonnell family themselves.

"Gerald, did you take a hit to the

head as a kid? Lose a few brain cells

along the way?" Fiona burst into

laughter; it was the funniest thing she'd heard in ages.

"What do you mean?" Gerald's face darkened instantly.

"What could mean? Other than you're being played and counting their money at the same time. Gerald as smart as you are, haven't you figured out why the Stonnell family hasn't dared to touch me? If I were really some illegitimate daughter, their side branches would've crushed me ages ago. Even the current acting head wouldn't dare lay a finger on me lightly-why do you think that is?"

Gerald's face turned a shade paler, and in that moment, it seemed the truth finally dawned on him.

The Stonnell family wouldn't act themselves, letting him take the fall. Even if they promised him what he wanted, would he be around to see it happen?