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

"I don't know," Howell said, sounding as honest as could be. Yet, nobody believed him. It seemed like Howell was keeping something under wraps. But with his lips sealed tight, they couldn't squeeze any details out of him, so they just let it slide.

Rafael and Cecelia took the stage by storm, lighting up the room as the final act. After their stunning walk down the runway, they lingered, soaking in the applause. The crowd was going wild, chanting for Cecelia, the goddess, and Rafael. Cameras were flashing like crazy, capturing every moment. The energy in the room hit a fever pitch!

The judges were nodding with satisfaction, and it was clear to everyone with a keen eye that Florik Entertainment was a shoe-in for the win. The media had their articles all lined up, just waiting for the official announcement so they could rush to snag the front-page headlines.

Aisha watched Cecelia bask in the spotlight, knowing the time was ripe. She wanted to see Cecelia take a fall at her proudest moment. She nudged Liam and Peyton forward.

On stage, the host was rattling off the rankings, counting down from the top ten. Just before announcing first place, there was a dramatic pause. "In this fashion show, first place goes to Florik Entertainment! Congratulations to Florik Entertainment!" Henrik and designer Taylor were heading to the stage when suddenly-"Hold on! Florik Entertainment doesn't deserve this championship!" a voice rang out.

The cheers that were about to explode were abruptly silenced. Reporters paused, fingers hovering over their keyboards. Everyone turned to see who had the guts to challenge Florik Entertainment's victory. If not Florik Entertainment, then who? Flora, who had been resting her head on Connor's shoulder, turned to look, her gaze icy.

Liam and Peyton stepped out of the shadows, white Aisha had already discreetly distanced herself. Liam took off his hat and mask, revealing a long scar across his lips and philtrum, along with several alarming wounds on his head. It had been nearly two weeks since the incident, yet his injuries were still glaringly visible, highlighting the

severity of Henrik's actions.

Peyton, overwhelmed by the crowd's scrutiny, trembled with fear. Liam was slightly steadier, though clearly out of his depth. However, remembering the promises Aisha made, he found the nerve to speak up.

Liam sneered, summoning his courage to confront Henrik: "Henrik, you deliberately hurt people, had your guys beat me to a pulp. How can a company run by someone like you deserve this championship?"

Everyone was baffled, including the online viewers watching the live stream. What was happening? Who was this guy accusing Henrik of assault?

Henrik was known for his sterling reputation in the industry. He was gentle, fair to everyone, not overly nice but perfectly balanced, making interactions with him easy and persuasive. No one had ever seen him lose his temper, let alone hit someone.

As confusion spread, Liam turned his attention to Cecelia.

"And-Cecelia!" he spat, his face contorting with anger. "I raised you all these years, and now that you've found a big-shot sugar daddy, you send him to beat up your own father? Damn you-"

He was about to let loose a string of curses when Peyton pulled him back to reality, and he switched to playing the victim card for the media.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Cecelia's adoptive father. I took her in when she was just a little girl, five or six years old. I've cared for her for over a decade, and now that she's rich and famous, a big star, she wants nothing to do with us!"