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

Jackson didn't even spare him a glance, his expression icy and unyielding, fists nearly clenched, ready to throw a punch.

"Isn't this exactly what you wanted?" Jackson smirked, a chill in his voice. "You should focus on your own issues, considering your precious son is the only disappointment in the whole Woods family."

That shut Mr. Foster right up.

"Of course, my son's just a spoiled brat, no match for the promising heirs of the Woods family. Speaking of which, I haven't seen young Fiona lately. My son mentioned her the other day. Maybe she could drop by sometime."

As soon as those words left his mouth, Jackson's expression turned stormy. If Kimberly hadn't been standing between them, Mr. Foster might have already felt Jackson's fury firsthand.

"Why not just speak your mind? Threatening a young girl isn't exactly smart. Besides, Fiona is my sister. If anything were to happen to her, do you really think you'd get away with it?"

Jackson's words were laced with a warning. Keeping Fiona safe was his top priority.

Just then, the housekeeper's voice rang out, announcing Ms. Aisha's arrival. The tension in the room vanished as if it had never been there.

"Jackson, guess what I brought for you? I heard you love the pastries from that bakery on the north side, so I got some while they're still warm."

Aisha placed a small bag of treats on the coffee table, then noticed Mr. Foster and Kimberly. She greeted Mr. Foster and walked over to Kimberly, warmly linking arms with her.

The two women acted like old friends. Aisha pulled a decorative box from her bag, revealing a bracelet, which she gracefully placed on Kimberly's wrist.

"Sister Kimberly, this bracelet looks stunning on you. It really brings out your fair and radiant skin."

Aisha's words were pure flattery. She knew all too well about the close sibling bond between Jackson and Kimberly. Since Kimberly had a say in most decisions, Aisha figured winning her over was a smart move.noveldrama

"It does look nice, but such a flashy bracelet is more your style," Kimberly said, gently returning the bracelet to Aisha.

Her dislike for Aisha was clear, and if not for the circumstances, Jackson would have been marrying Fiona, not Aisha.

The thought of her son Nash not being a good match for Fiona was driving her crazy.

"What brings you here?" Jackson asked.

"Our engagement party is on the sixth of next month. I'm here to go with you to pick out our outfits," Aisha replied with a smile.

Having failed to win over Kimberly, Aisha let it go. After all, she wasn't one to lose face easily, being a daughter of the Larkin family.

She smoothly took Jackson's arm, leading him away. Jackson was thankful for the excuse to avoid further conversation with Mr. Foster. If Mr. Foster kept aiming for Fiona, Jackson's next move would target Mr. Foster's beloved son.

...

In the Bayside Villa, Jasmine nudged a still-groggy Fiona awake, insisting she get up. She even fed her a few bites of a croissant.

"Can you stop sleeping? You promised to come dress shopping with me today. There's an event at International Glam in two days, and I refuse to be outdone by that wretched Aisha."

"Just ten more minutes, please," Fiona mumbled.

Last night, Jasmine and Louisa had kept her up until four in the morning, and now she was utterly exhausted.