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

Blake was in utter disbelief. Rejected?! How could they reject him?!

"You think you're ready to be a full professor? Go back and study for a few more years! I'm embarrassed for you; what you write isn't even worth mentioning. Flora is miles ahead of you, and yet you dare say she's not qualified? Jealousy is the only thing you're qualified for."

Jules had a tongue as sharp as a knife, and Blake couldn't take it anymore. At his age, just over thirty, he nearly left the room in tears.

Mr. Richard stayed silent, watching Jules unleash his verbal barrage like a machine gun. He handed him a cup of tea, saying, "Here, have some tea and cool off."

"Are you constipated or something? Need a prescription for a laxative?"

Jules: ""

...

Back at his desk, Blake's eyes were still red. Everyone assumed she was upset about not becoming a full professor and tried to console her. The more they comforted her, the worse she felt.

She had lived thirty years and never faced such humiliation! They were all siding with Flora!Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Fine, let them!

Blake couldn't believe everyone would continue to protect Flora. Since they'd ignored her warnings, she'd have to take a different approach. If the University of Maple Grove became a global laughingstock, they'd have only themselves to blame!

Taking a deep breath, Blake slowly pulled out her smartphone and sent a message to a popular blogger.

"I've got a scandal about the University of Maple Grove. Interested?"

...

Flora had spent two days with Connor before asking him to take her back to the Irving family. She couldn't really forget her family just for a fling, could she? Was she that kind of person? Though, it was hard to deny Connor's charm.

In the living room, Henrik stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, chatting on the phone. When Flora walked in, she caught snippets about a fashion show Once he hung up, she asked, "Hey, what were you talking about just now?"

"It's the annual 'Night of Destiny' fashion show Henrik explained. "It's coming up soon. Each company has to come up with a design, and the organizers pick the best ones to turn into actual garments for the show. The winning company gains Worldwide recognition. It's a great way to get noticed."

The competition had some rules; each designer needed to be an in-house talent or an unaffiliated freelance designer. This was to stop companies from bringing in outside heavyweights. Everyone knew Florik Entertainment and the Rose Design Institute were pretty chummy. If Florik just had Rose's designers do the work, what would be the point of the competition? Florik Entertainment had its own designers, but they were just a notch above average since Florik wasn't a specialized fashion house.

Henrik wasn't counting on winning first place; just participating was enough. Plus, it was an international stage. Having Cecelia and Rafael strut the runway would also boost their visibility. "Oh."

Flora nodded, deep in thought.

Henrik gently ruffled her hair, "Little sis, I need to head out for a bit, but I'll be back soon. Need anything?"

"Nope, I just got back from shopping. Are you going to see Cecelia?"

Henrik's smile faded a bit: "No, not to see her."

Maybe he was just too much of a bother. Cecelia clearly didn't like him, and his presence only seemed to trouble her.

Watching Henrik's downcast figure, Flora pondered. Cecelia seemed to have some feelings for her brother, too. Why were they moving at a snail's pace? Maybe Cecelia had her own reasons.