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

She sauntered over, ready to stir the pot with some juicy gossip about Flora, hoping Mike would boot her out of the base. But to her shock, Mike stood up for Flora. What did Flora have that she didn't?

Kylie had been at the base for four years, and although Mike had shown her some favor, he'd never gone out on a limb for her like this. The sting of jealousy mixed with a dash of fear gnawed at her.

The Reyes and Falcone families were coming soon. With Flora's standout talents, there was no way she'd let Flora steal the limelight and potentially win over these influential families, right? No way was she going to let that happen. An idea began to brew in Kylie's mind.

Mike had brushed the issue aside because Flora wasn't someone with high status or influence. But what if Flora had injured someone from the prestigious Lone Island families? Even if Mike wanted to handle it quietly, the other party wouldn't let it slide. The force of a powerful family wasn't something Flora could withstand.

Formulating a plan, Kylie headed decisively towards the girls' dormitory.

---

Flora was on her way back to the dorm when she ran into Connor, who whisked her away to a new place.

It was a cozy two-story villa, complete with a kitchen, dining room, bedroom, and a walk-in closet. It was miles more comfortable than the cramped space Flora shared with Selene.

"I've set everything up for you. You can move in immediately. If you need anything else, just let me know, and I'll have Moss and Beck sort it out. No need to return to the old dorm," Connor said softly, gently running his fingers through Flora's hair. "Mhm," Flora murmured lazily.

Despite the medical base being completely isolated, Connor had his ways of getting fresh ingredients flown in daily. The freshest veggies and meats were always on hand. Flora loved her food, and Connor made sure she had the best.

As lunchtime rolled around, Connor

quickly whipped up a feast: garlic shrimp, sweet and sour ribs, winter melon and pork rib soup, and a. simplestir-fried veggie dish. Flora was over the moon, polishing off two bowls of rice.

After the meal, Connor loaded the dishwasher and handed Flora a small package.

It was a handgun. Compact enough to tuck into a waistband and easily concealed under a jacket.

"Keep it on you. Next time someone gives you trouble, don't hesitate to use it. Nobody here will question you."

Having a gun would make things a whole lot easier for Flora. While the base didn't restrict firearms, not everyone had the privilege to carry them. Even Kylie didn't make the cut. Mostly, it was the high-ranking

officials and some elite trainees who were allowed to be armed.

Flora took the gun, turning it over in her hand. It felt good. Much better than the ones she'd handled in shooting practice earlier that day.

Hmm. Guns... not great. Her mind started to drift.

"Connor, I'm in the mood for some 'gunplay," she said with a mischievous glint, hinting at something a little more playful.

"Now?" Connor assumed she wanted some shooting practice. "Sure, why not. This one's fitted with a silencer. Let's step outside, and you can fire a couple of shots."

But Flora just laughed and playfully tackled him onto the sofa.

Connor found himself lying there, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist. The couch was small, and half of him was hanging off. If he didn't hold on, they'd both end up on the floor.

"Connor, that's not the kind of 'gun'I

was talking about," Flora teased, her smile full of mischief. Her right hand pressed against Connor's chest, the cool muzzle of the handgun tracing a path across his chest and down to a more intimate area. She looked like a cheeky little enchantress: "Connor~ it's just us now~"