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

Zoe's leap into the sea was the last thing anyone expected.

But Jackson, ever the foresighted one, had seen it coming. With a simple wave, he dispatched several rescue boats to comb the waters within a ten-mile radius of the island.

"Those boats were meant for emergencies," Jackson commented with a touch of irony as he surveyed the gathered guests, his expression tinged with annoyance. "Seems like today they're being used for something else entirely. Sorry for the spectacle, but the Larkin family can't sidestep the blame here."

His words shifted the spotlight back onto the Larkin family.

Everyone knew that the happenings on the island should remain a secret. These high-society families understood that if they fueled the gossip mill, they might be next in line to fall from grace.

The Larkin family members were visibly rattled, their resentment towards Zoe growing deeper for landing them in this mess.

"Mr. Jackson," the head of the Larkin family began, desperation in his voice, "we're prepared to offer half our wealth to the Woods family as a gesture of apology, hoping you'll spare us."

Offering half of their fortune was no small gesture, especially from a family as influential as the Larkins, who stood toe-to-toe with the Woods in the Capital.

But Jackson wasn't having it.

"Half your wealth?" Jackson repeated, a faint smile playing on his lips. His calm demeanor belied the chill his words sent through the room. "Do you think the Woods family can be bought off so easily?"

"You Larkins really are lacking in sincerity. If that's all you've got, I'm not taking it," came a sharp female voice. Heads turned to see Kimberly stepping forward.noveldrama

The Woods family boasted two formidable figures: the shrewd and powerful Jackson, and the clever and charismatic Kimberly.

Decades ago, these two extraordinary siblings were born into the Woods family. By ten, Kimberly was already managing the Woods Corporation, holding its ground in the Capital by fifteen, and propelling it to the top by seventeen. That same year, fifteen-year-old Jackson had secured the Woods Corporation's foothold in the international markets. Eventually, Kimberly stepped back, allowing Jackson to steer the family to even greater success.

It was easy to forget Kimberly's formidable presence in the Woods family.

"You can't think you can sweep this scandal under the rug with some paltry offer. What are you giving us, crumbs?"

Rumor had it Kimberly had a way with words, and the Larkin family was clearly shaken.

Dealing with Jackson was tough enough, but throwing Kimberly into the mix was downright daunting.

The Larkin family head was full of regret. If only they'd never let Zoe marry Jackson. They should've never tangled with the Woods family.

It was a lose-lose situation for them.

"Ms. Woods, what do you suggest?" he asked, trying to placate her with a forced smile.

"You're asking the wrong question," Kimberly replied with a grin. "I'm just a simple woman, not one for grand demands. But given today's live drama, if I were to demand a ransom, wouldn't that cement the scandal around Jackson? Besides, sincerity is something you should offer willingly."

Kimberly sauntered over to Jackson, nudging him playfully with her elbow. "What're you hanging around here for? Let's get out of here before the bad vibes stick."

Finally, she cast a disdainful look at the Larkin family. "Remember, sincerity comes from people; handouts are for beggars."