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

The law enforcement officers rolled up to the Falcone family's place a good twenty minutes later, and the scene that greeted them was enough to make even these seasoned pros catch their breath. There was Candace, sprawled out on the ground, covered in blood and bite marks.

"Officer, this woman was causing a ruckus at the Falcone residence. Please, take her away," Ethan said, cool as a cucumber.

The officers exchanged glances, clearly skeptical. Candace didn't exactly scream troublemaker, especially not in her current state.

"Officer, it was self-defense. She barged in, and well, our dog had a go at her," Ethan explained, while the rest of the Falcone clan nodded eagerly.

The officers weren't buying it, but they also didn't want to stir the pot with the Falcones. Plus, Ethan had ties with their boss, and Candace didn't have anyone in her corner. So, they figured they'd haul her in.

"Take her," the head officer motioned, and his team moved in to take the barely conscious Candace away.

"Thanks, Officer," Ethan grinned. "I'll put in a good word with Chase for you."

The law enforcement team left in high spirits.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Flora was blissfully unaware, snuggled under her covers, thanks to some top-notch soundproof windows. She caught a hint of the hullabaloo but decided to let it slide.

Once Flora was deep in dreamland, Connor stepped out to chat with Moss and Beck, passing on some instructions.

"Drop something off for Jaden to help him get his head straight."

"Got it," they nodded, and off they went.

Flora finally woke up an hour later to find Connor organizing her clothes. They were heading back to Austenberg the next day.

Seeing her awake, Connor handed her a glass of water. "Here, drink up."

"Can you feed me?" Flora teased, still cozy under the covers.

Connor chuckled, bringing the glass to her lips.

"What do you want for dinner?" he asked.

"Lobster thermidor, sweet and sour ribs, duck à l'orange, crab cakes, smoked ham, honey-glazed ham hock..." Flora rattled off a listdike a welt-rehearsed menu. Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

Connor playfully tapped her on the head. "Aren't you getting a bit tired of all that rich food, Flora?"

His tone was less sugary and more playful today, lacking the usual affection but full of teasing charm.

Flora watched his Adam's apple bob as he spoke, then suddenly lunged forward to plant a quick kiss on him.

Meanwhile, Jaden was anxious

about Candace possibly going

hungry at home, so he ordered some food for her. But then he heard she'd been taken away by the law enforcement and rushed over, worried sick.

Despite his pleas, they wouldn't let him see her.

"Sorry, Mr. Jaden, her situation's a bit unusual, so you can't visit," they informed him.

Jaden was in a panic, fearing Candace might be scared all alone in there. He knew he had no clout after being booted from the Neville family, so getting the officers to bend the rules seemed unlikely.

Just as he was debating whether to call the Neville family, the officers got a call. They returned with a new attitude.

"Moss just rang in, said you're good to go see Candace."