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

Across the table, Nash was peeling shrimp with a look that screamed 'Why me?' as he glanced enviously at Jackson. Why did Jackson and Fiona get to enjoy the shrimp while he was stuck doing the grunt work? He felt like a shrimp-peeling machine! With a bit of a huff, Nash dipped a freshly peeled shrimp into some sweet chili sauce and took a bite. The shrimp was every bit as tasty as it was tricky to peel.

Once they'd polished off their meal, the trio made their way out of the Emerald Bistro. Right then, Jackson's phone buzzed with a call from work about some decision they needed him to make regarding Allen.

As Jackson dealt with the call, Fiona and Nash were left chatting and laughing at the entrance. Just as they were enjoying themselves, Janet and her crew also emerged from the bistro. Seeing Fiona and Nash getting along so well felt like a punch to Janet's gut. Why could Fiona talk and laugh with Nash so effortlessly, when she couldn't?

"Well, isn't this a surprise!" Patricia sauntered over, her voice practically dripping with sarcasm. "You two seem pretty chummy. Nash, do you even know what kind of person Fiona really is?"

Ignoring her, Fiona frowned slightly. These folks were like annoying flies that just wouldn't go away.

When Fiona and Nash didn't take the bait, Patricia fumed. She shouted at Nash and Jackson, “Fiona's quite the party girl, you know. I've got videos of her with other guys. Can the Woods family really allow someone like her in?"

Ever since Patricia found out Fiona was Jackson's favorite, she couldn't stand her. Why did Fiona have all the luck? Given the chance to trash Fiona in front of Jackson and Nash, Patricia was all over it. She hoped it would break Fiona's connections with them and maybe even get her kicked out of school.

Originally, Fiona didn't plan on engaging with Patricia, but as the accusations got wilder, she decided she wasn't letting anyone mess with her reputation, especially no in front of her handsome friend.

"Had enough yet?" Fiona snapped, turning back with eyes like daggers. "Is spreading lies your idea of a good time?"

"Slander? Where am I slandering you?" Patricia retorted with a smug look, her attitude so grating that Fiona had to hold herself back from throwing a punch.noveldrama

"Can you honestly say you didn't cozy up to the Woods family for their money? That you didn't latch onto Jackson for his status?" Patricia's voice rose, drawing curious glances from passersby.

But, they all knew that dining at the Emerald Bistro meant you were someone important. Ordinary folks like them wouldn't dare interfere. They just watched, treating it all as juicy gossip.

"You think you're getting by on looks alone? Otherwise, Jackson wouldn't even notice you!" Patricia pointed accusingly at Fiona.

In a flash, Fiona grabbed Patricia's finger and twisted it hard. The sound of a bone cracking echoed as

Patricia let out a piercing screamnet

Janet irritated by the commotion, thought if Nash weren't there she'd have to keep her cool; otherwise, she might've joined Patricia in stirring up trouble for Fiona.