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

"What kind of self-defense leaves a classmate in such a state?"

Fiona stayed silent, her intense eyes locked onto the teacher like a leopard ready to strike.

"Feeling defiant, are we?"

The teacher's words kept poking at Fiona, but the tension was suddenly interrupted by a voice at the door.

"Excuse me, teacher, I need to say something." It was a female classmate speaking up.

Fiona recognized her as the girl who had once coaxed Yvenne into wearing her evening gown back in the dorm.

"Can it wait?" The teacher, clearly annoyed by Fiona's silence, waved his hand, dismissing the interruption.

"No, teacher, this is important. It's about Yvenne."

The girl stepped into the room, revealing that Yvenne had entered a prestigious designer competition, backing her claim with solid evidence.

Everyone, except for Fiona, was floored by Yvenne's hidden talent. Even Keaton, who usually went easy on Fiona, was blown away by the news. It turned out that not everyone in Class Nineteen was struggling academically; some were just shining in other areas.

"This is a big deal. Fiona, you stay put," Mr. Trevor said, clutching Yvenne's competition papers as he walked out.

The teachers huddled over the documents, scrutinizing them until they seemed satisfied.

About ten minutes later, they returned to the office.

"Fiona, the school has decided your actions were too serious. You're getting a warning and will be expelled."

Fiona didn't even need to mull it over; she saw it coming. To these teachers, she was a "problem student," a thorn they were eager to pluck out. Given the chance, they weren't going to miss it.

"Sorry, but disagree," Fiona replied coolly. "I didn't do anything wrong. She started it, and I was just defending myself. If self-defense

causes injury or worse, that's not on me."

In other words, if Yvenne hadn't been this

12 ss she wouldn't be i

Her downfall was her

own doing, not Fiona's problem.

"Fiona shouldn't be expelled."

Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the doorway.

Fiona's eyes widened, nearly calling out "brother."

It was Jackson!

met

"Fiona's right. Those who act recklessly shouldn't get a free pass," Jackson said, standing next to her with a reassuring smile.

"Mr. Woods, this is a school matter."

"Oh? Well, I don't mind sending you all for some re-education."

Jackson's commanding presence made everyone uneasy. "Re-education" was his

polite way of saying they'd face legal consequences.

These educators weren't used to such a challenge.

"Mr. Woods, what do you mean by that?"noveldrama

Jackson took Fiona's hand, chuckling softly. "Just what I said."

He never took these folks seriously. If anyone thought they could act without repercussions, they were wrong. Under his watchful eye, nothing went unnoticed.

In this tangled world, nobody comes out unscathed. Eventually, everyone shows

their true colors.