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

She slipped her arm around Jasmine's waist, pulling her close to shield her. The guy in front of them lunged forward, but Fiona kicked him back, sending him and a few others flying like bowling pins.

"Is this how you treat the Bryant family's kids?" Fiona asked, her eyes full of concern as she looked at Jasmine. Even the family's matriarch had sat up by now.

"Jasmine."

With the matriarch's voice cutting through the tension, the folks from the Bryant family started exchanging uneasy glances, their expressions turning sour. Nobody expected the matriarch to wake up just then, let alone that this young girl, who was the same age as Jasmine, would have such remarkable medical skills. It was almost too much to believe.

"Matriarch."

They all suddenly looked as meek as lambs, not daring to say a word. Especially the third aunt, who had been making a fuss earlier; she was now as quiet as a mouse.

"Matriarch, I'm taking Jasmine away for now. There's nothing more I can do here."

Fiona was ready to leave with Jasmine in her arms, but she caught the greedy looks in their eyes. Who knew what they might do to the matriarch while she was still vulnerable?

"Fiona, come here," the matriarch called out softly, her face warm and kind, just like it always had been. Her smile was like a gentle breeze, bringing a bit of warmth to Fiona's heart. "Fiona, we owe it to you this time. I've called the Bryant family guard; they're on their way. I've also made it clear that Jasmine will be the Bryant family's future leader. I'll need you to support her. She's still young and has a lot to learn, but I believe in her. I've seen what she's achieved in the Capital, and it's impressive."

Achievements in the Capital? Was she talking about International Glam?

International Glam was a small fry in the States, hardly a blip on the radar compared to the big family names.

Fiona's curiosity was piqued. She didn't quite get why the matriarch was placing so much faith in Jasmine based on just International Glam. It seemed almost laughable.

"Matriarch, when I was young, you

were kind to me, and I'm truly grateful. But I don't want to get tangled up in Bryant family matters. You know my situation; it would only complicate things for the family. As for Jasmine taking over, let's talk about it when she wakes up. It's not my call to make." noveldrama

The matriarch seemed to be tossing a hot potato her way without checking if she'd actually catch it.

After taking Jasmine away and waiting for her to come to, the two of them headed straight back to the Capital.

Thanks to Fiona's care, the matriarch, despite her age, was bouncing back better than ever. She wouldn't be stepping away from the Bryant family anytime soon, which was a relief.

Back at school, Fiona dove straight into finals the next day, with winter break just around the corner. But Nash had taken a leave of absence for the exams. Fiona glanced at her phone; ever since she took off for the States, Jackson hadn't called.

She had tried reaching out several times since returning, but no one picked up. Even Nash, the rascal, hadn't gotten back to her messages. It was downright frustrating.

Meanwhile, Kimberly had hit her up for a design draft, saying she needed something unique for an overseas gala. So, Fiona begrudgingly whipped up a sleek necklace for her.