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

"No rooms available here tonight," the security guard stopped Fiona at the entrance. "You can find a place to stay just across the street."

"I'm here for the gala," Fiona replied with a laid-back coolness that couldn't be ignored.

The guard, seeing her step out of a taxi, had pegged her as just another young woman looking for accommodations, not as an attendee of the exclusive event. But with his experience, he quickly caught on, softening his tone and nodding politely. "Miss, may I see your invitation, please?"

Fiona handed over an invitation with a distinctive gold and red border, prompting the guard to shift to a more respectful manner.

"Please, come in, Miss," he said into his radio. Soon, a woman in a striking red evening gown approached, her eyes filled with admiration as she saw Fiona. "Follow me, please."

Everyone else had standard invitations, but only Ms. H's was edged in gold-a detail known by all the gala's hosts.

Fiona was escorted to a quiet corner with a window offering a breathtaking view of New York City's skyline, a spot reserved just for H.

Soon, the elite guests began to fill the ballroom.

"Ms. H, if you need anything, just press this button and I'll be right here," the woman told Fiona, handing her a small remote.

"Thank you."

Tonight, Fiona had intentionally altered her voice, making it nearly impossible for anyone to recognize her usual youthful tone.

She settled into the sofa, gazing out at the view, enjoying the peace until it was disrupted.

"Are you Ms. H?"

A woman stood in front of her, a glass of red wine in hand, scrutinizing her closely. Fiona knew her right away: it was Zoe.

"Is that any of your business?" Fiona turned her head slightly, giving her a glance. "If you're not Ms. H, you should leave this seat."noveldrama

Fiona didn't move, swirling her champagne, the golden liquid shimmering in the light.

"I'm talking to you. This seat isn't just for anyone."

Zoe, who had been brushed off by Jackson earlier, was eager to meet the famed H, especially since she was an investor in International Glam.

"Ms. Aisha, why are you so concerned?" Fiona smirked softly. "Or are you just looking for trouble because you're in a bad mood?"

"What did you say?" Zoe narrowed her eyes, glaring at Fiona with venom.

Her embarrassment at being dismissed by Jackson outside Woods Corporation

was already the talk among New York's elite, but no one dared to mock her openly because she was the Larkin heiress. Yet here was this woman, daring to challenge her.

Zoe reached to grab Fiona's mask, but Fiona swiftly knocked her hand away, her eyes blazing with a fierceness that made Zoe almost step back.

But then she reconsidered-what could this slender, seemingly fragile woman possibly do?

"If you're not Ms. H, you don't belong here," Zoe insisted, aiming a kick at Fiona.