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

Upon spotting the man, the woman felt a pang of guilt and quickly pulled back her hand, which was poised to strike. Her face crumpled, on the verge of tears.

"Jaden..."

"Candace, what's going on?"

Jaden noticed her distress and immediately wrapped his arms around her, offering soft words of comfort while shooting a questioning look at the bodyguard. "Sir, it's..."

"Jaden, Lucky's gone. Someone shot him... boo hoo..."

Before the bodyguard could explain, Candace was already clutching Jaden's collar, quietly sobbing.

"Sir, Ms. Candace didn't leash the dog, and it almost ran into someone, so that's why-"

"I-I just let go for a second, and Lucky was just being playful with people passing by. He didn't mean any harm," Candace cut in, her tears tugging at the heartstrings. "But that woman shot Lucky. I just wanted an apology for Lucky, but she insulted me instead, boo hoo..." "Did I ask you to stay with Ms. Candace just to let this happen?"

Jaden's typically gentle face darkened, and the usual warmth in his eyes turned sharp.

"Sir, the one who had a run-in with Ms. Candace was Miss Flora, along with Mr. Connor and young master Kruz," the bodyguard explained with a hint of resignation.

Jaden's brow furrowed, surprised to cross paths with them.

Candace watched Jaden's expression cautiously. "Jaden, is Miss Flora really that powerful? Have I... caused trouble for you? I'm heartbroken over Lucky. I just wanted them to say sorry, but they refused and called me disgusting..."

"She called you that?" Jaden's grip on her shoulder tightened.

"Yeah..." Candace nodded softly, looking so obedient yet so hurt. "I know I come from a modest background, and people look down on me. If I'm an embarrassment to you, I can leave right now."

"Don't talk nonsense. It's my fault for letting you be treated this way."

Jaden quickly reassured her, feeling his opinion of Flora sink lower. Did she think she could act recklessly just because Connor favored her?

Seeing Candace's self-doubt and sadness made him uncomfortable. He reassured her, "Flora's status isn't that much higher than yours."

He never judged anyone by their status, but Flora had been the first to flaunt hers.

The bodyguards exchanged glances, suppressing smiles. Sir, isn't that a bit of a stretch? Miss Flora's status is considerably higher.

Candace was a simple country girl, lacking any particular skills, only here because she had saved Jaden.

But Flora was the Reyes family's young miss, skilled in medicine and racing, and stunningly beautiful.

Jaden gently pinched Candace's cheek, his handsome face filled with warmth and affection. "How about we give Lucky a proper burial? Lcan get you another dog. Please don't cry, it hurts me to see you like this." Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Candace nodded softly, managing a small smile.

To Jaden, she was the picture of sweetness.

Seeing her smile relaxed him.

He was swamped with preparations for the Neville family heir assessment.

Nathan had no wife or kids, all the potential heirs were adopted.

Besides him, there were a few other contenders.

He still hadn't figured out how to entertain the important guest arriving tomorrow, and Candace had insisted on visiting the black market today. He had no choice but to tag along.

...

Flora brushed off the little incident with Candace, continuing her aimless wandering.

"Hey there, gorgeous." Suddenly, a guy in a leather jacket approached, exuding an air of mystery and intrigue.