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

couldn't settle his mind enough to figure it out.

"Joey, you're being way too polite," Flora said with a cool demeanor, her voice low enough that it was tough to grasp her real emotions. Joey felt an odd sense of déjà vu, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why her voice seemed familiar. With everything going on, he "You know me, ma'am?" he asked, surprised that Flora had called him by name.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

"Joey, your reputation for generosity and integrity precedes you. I've admired you for a long time," Flora replied, adding a playful wink that seemed almost too deliberate.

Uncle Ben, it's me!

The crowd of noble families exchanged puzzled glances. Clearly, this lady had a high opinion of the Gilbert family.

Joey felt both nervous and confused. Just a moment ago, she'd seemed as fierce as a warrior, and now her gentle tone was giving him chills, especially with her eyes blinking like someone with an eye infection. Was she being sarcastic? "That's quite the compliment, ma'am..."

"You're just being humble. The Gilbert family is known for their integrity and honesty. I've seen it myself," Flora stressed the words "seen it myself," then added, "I'm really looking forward to the Gilbert family making waves in the upcoming assessment. I'm sure you won't let us down." Her sincerity was hard to ignore.

Joey was even more puzzled. What did she mean by "seen it myself"? Where had she seen it? And what was this about looking forward to their performance? Historically, the Gilbert family had been average at best in these assessments. Was she planning something against them? Was she really that petty?

Even though both were from the Mortal World, their own Flora seemed far more gracious than this woman!

"Alright, we'll be on our way then."

Flora figured she'd dropped enough hints.

Once they left, the tense atmosphere disappeared, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Then, like whispers in the wind, several family heads sidled up to Joey.

"Joey, the Gilbert family sure knows how to fly under the radar, making friends with that lady without anyone knowing."

Joey: "...I don't know her."

He was baffled.

"Come on, her attitude towards you was clearly different. It's obvious you two go way back."

Joey: "..."

He really didn't know her.

If he did, would he have put up with the Shu family's nonsense?

"I really don't know her..." he admitted awkwardly.

"Stop pretending. We all saw it. She practically said you're going to shine in the assessment." The family' heads clicked their tongues, their eyes green with envy.

That lady doted on Flora, and now that the Gilbert family had caught her attention, they were likely to make a big splash in the upcoming assessment.

Joey was at his wit's end.

Couldn't they see she was being sarcastic?

He finally realized she was just messing with him!

He couldn't help but feel grateful that his own Flora was so wonderful.

"Dad, chill out. We're definitely making the top five in the

assessment!" Jacob and Carvel

din excitedly.

Flora was in good with that lady, so they'd definitely get a boost!

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belongs

This time, they were sure to secure a strong position in the assessment.

"See, Ben, your son's the honest one here," everyone remarked with a mix of admiration and jest.