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

Mr. Chairman's eyes glinted with a chilly resolve, his crew ready to unleash a hailstorm of bullets on Connor the moment he gave the word. Connor, unfazed, toyed with his gun, his piercing gaze locked on Mr. Chairman, standing his ground with unyielding defiance.

The thought darted through Mr. Chairman's mind as he seriously considered ending Connor right then and there. If it weren't for the mess he'd have to deal with because of Connor's powerful allies, he might have already pulled the trigger without a second thought.

A real rebel, through and through!

Moss and Beck stood firm in front of Connor, their faces showing no fear, though inside, their hearts pounded. They weren't afraid of dying, but they knew that when someone's cornered, they could lash out in desperation. If Mr. Chairman lost his cool, they were outnumbered and might not get out in one piece.

Their biggest worry? Something happening to Connor.

But their boss was past reasoning, driven over the edge by Abbey's betrayal of his deepest love. He wasn't going to back down...

Then suddenly, a familiar ringtone pierced the tension-Flora's personal ringtone for Connor.

Connor paused, the ice in his eyes thawing ever so slightly.

He pulled out his phone and answered.

"Connor."

Flora's voice was a bit raspy, as if she'd just woken up.

Connor's heart, however, immediately found peace.

Everything else faded away, leaving just Flora's voice in his ears.

"Connor, where'd you go? I woke up and didn't see you."

"I'm out, but I'll be back soon."

"I miss you," Flora said. "I want to see you now. I'm hungry too and craving something you cooked."

"I'm on my way."Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"Good, hurry back. You've got 20 minutes, or I'll be upset."

"I won't make you mad. I'm coming."

Connor didn't realize how gentle his expression had become, a complete 180 from his earlier fierce demeanor. Mr. Chairman was caught off guard; it was the first time seeing Connor show such tenderness and affection.

Turns out, Connor was more taken with this woman than anyone had guessed. Quite the surprise, the usually cold and distant Connor had found someone he truly cared about, showing a glimpse of vulnerability.

Once he hung up, Connor's face turned serious again, but the wild fury inside him had calmed down significantly.

"Let's go."

With that one word, he strode out.

His Flora was waiting for him, saying she missed him.

He needed to get back quickly, or she'd be upset.

Moss and Beck hurried to keep up, realizing Ms. Flora was indeed their boss's soft spot. A single call from her, and he'd head straight home.

Amanda let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and followed them.

The fire was mostly out by the time Tommy rushed to get Abbey, who was lying among the flames, to the hospital for treatment. But then-

A gunshot rang through the air!

The bullet tore through Abbey's heart!

Blood poured out, soaking the ground beneath.

Tommy froze, eyes wide with shock.

He looked towards the distance,

seeing Connor's car speeding away.

The window had just rolled up.

but

he saw Connor putting his

gun.

No one saw it coming-Connor firing a shot, especially from that distance, at that speed, hitting Abbey square in the chest!

A desperate, furious scream echoed around them.

Tommy looked up, howling with rage, his eyes burning with fury.

He wanted Connor dead!

...

At the hospital.

Flora set down the phone, glanced at the doctor standing next to her, and said coolly, "Carry on, please."