Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life novel Chapter 1889

“Ms. Fiona, what brings you here?” Deanna slid onto the sofa across from Fiona, all polite smiles and practiced elegance. “Are you and my daughter Pearl close?”

“We’re not,” Fiona replied, not even glancing up from her phone. Her voice was cool and detached, fingers tapping away at her game.

Deanna’s smile tightened. “So why are you here, Ms. Fiona?” Her tone was skeptical, her eyes sharp. “If you really have nothing to do with Pearl, isn’t it odd for you to show up like this? Or maybe I should just talk to the Stonnell family directly and get some answers.”

Fiona couldn’t stand being threatened—especially not with someone running to her family. She didn’t even bother to hide her disdain.

“Be my guest,” she said, still focused on her screen. “See if anyone in the Stonnell family dares to tell me what to do.”

Her attitude was infuriating. Deanna’s composure nearly cracked.

“So the Stonnell family is above the law now?” Deanna shot to her feet, glaring at Fiona like she might explode. Her hand shook as she pointed at her. “Do you honestly think justice only belongs to your family?”

Fiona smirked, a low laugh escaping as her game ended. She finally put her phone away and leaned back, eyes dancing with amusement. “Is that what you really believe, Mrs. Larkin? That’s almost flattering. My friends saved your daughter, and you couldn’t even say thank you. Now you’re accusing us of hurting her? That’s impressive, Mrs. Larkin.”

“We were going to wait for you to arrive before we left,” Fiona said, lips curling into a half-smile. “But honestly, there’s no reason to stay.” She turned to Tyler. “Call the police.”

“We’ve determined that the fire at the Larkin estate wasn’t an accident,” the officer said. “Someone saw you sneaking out the back during the fire. You’ll need to come with us for questioning.”

Shock flickered across Deanna’s face. She looked between Fiona and the officer, realization hitting her hard.

“It was you, Fiona! You’re the Stonnell family’s heiress—how dare you accuse me like this!”

Still, as Deanna spat her accusations, she kept edging closer to the door, clearly desperate for a way out.