Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life novel Chapter 1967

Bentley wiped his forehead, trying to play it cool, but the awkwardness was all over his face.

“Ms. Fiona, we knew about the situation, but as for working with Country M? The Gregory family would never do something like that!”

“That’s right, Ms. Fiona,” Amy’s mother jumped in, her voice tight with worry. “Our family has a good reputation here in the States—we’d never get mixed up in anything shady like that.”

Both parents rushed to explain, desperate to clear things up before Fiona got the wrong idea.

But Fiona didn’t need to prove anything to them anymore. She’d already tracked down the real Amy, something her parents could never have done, even if they tried. Fiona had gotten this far without needing the Stonnell family’s help. Compared to her, these old folks were out of their league.

And Fiona’s coolness under pressure was almost legendary. Most people would’ve lost it under the kind of stress she’d faced—cursing, snapping, breaking down. But not Fiona. She handled it all like it was nothing.

“Ms. Fiona, it’s all thanks to you that our daughter’s home. Please, let me toast you,” Bentley said, picking up his glass and leaning forward in a respectful salute before knocking back his drink.

Fiona didn’t hesitate. She didn’t do hard liquor, but Lucy poured her a glass of champagne and she finished it in one smooth gulp. The taste was a mix of bitter, sweet, and just a little sour.

“So now that she’s back, what’s your plan?” Fiona asked, casually grabbing a handful of peanuts from the dish on the table. She ate as she waited for their answer.

She didn’t have to wait long. Amy’s parents already had everything figured out.

It wasn’t hard to guess what they’d do. Ever since Amy came home, her parents paraded her around like their personal trophy—showing her off at every event, making sure everyone saw her face, inviting her to every party and gala. They were determined to make her presence known.

“What you do with your family is up to you. But the fake Amy? She’s mine to deal with.”

“No problem at all, Ms. Fiona,” Bentley said, eager to please. “As soon as we find her, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Really, Ms. Fiona, whatever you need from us in the future, just say the word. We’ll make it happen,” Lucy promised.

Fiona waved them off and stood to leave. Before she walked out, she glanced at Amy, who was still sitting quietly, holding a cup of tea but not drinking a drop. Their eyes met for a second before Fiona turned away.

She knew Amy wasn’t ordinary—anyone who could survive for years in a dark, cramped basement, beaten and humiliated, and still not give up… Well, that took a kind of strength most people would never understand.