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

"Let's check it out."

Fiona marched into the office building, Tyler hurrying behind her.

Inside the lounge, a girl was curled up on the floor-her clothes torn, her whole body shaking. Her eyes, once bright and clear, now looked lifeless and dull, like pearls covered in dust.

Fiona stopped in front of her and crouched down, reaching out gently to touch her chin. The girl flinched, shoving Fiona away like a scared sparrow, then shrank even further into the corner, hiding her face in her knees. She couldn't even bring herself to look at anyone.

Her trembling got worse. She was shutting everyone out.

Fiona stood up and sat on the couch. All the girl's information was spread out on the coffee table. Her name was Anna-a makeup artist at International Glam, actually pretty well-known in the industry. Fiona skimmed her portfolio. Anna's makeup skills were solid, and every look she created fit her clients perfectly.

By all accounts, Anna was a model employee-never caused trouble, got along with everyone, and kept things professional with clients. Nothing about her stood out as a red flag.

But just a few days ago, Anna had gone missing after celebrating her birthday with some friends at a bar. Someone even used her account to request time off from her manager. If Tyler hadn't swung by the office today and happened to spot Anna in an alley, no one would have realized anything was wrong.

Fiona and Jasmine had started International Glam to protect talented people who kept getting overlooked or mistreated. Their goal was to give them a platform to grow, learn, and stand up for themselves. Everyone they brought in was chosen because they shared that same vision.

Now, something this serious had happened, and there was no way Fiona was going to let it go.

"Call her supervisor in," Fiona said.noveldrama

Right away, there was a knock at the

door. A woman in her thirties

stepped inside, looking anxious, holding a report in her hands. She walked over to Fiona, shoulders tense.

"Mr. Connor, Anna reports to me. I should have noticed something was wrong. Here's my written apology for you to review."

No one at international Glam ever underestimated Fiona. It took real skill and determination to pull people out of tough situations and build a company like this. Being young didn't mean she wasn't capable.

Fiona gave the report a quick look. It was detailed-so much so that she could tell

this was someone who actually cared.

"This isn't just on you, but you're all a

team. Everyone matters. Let your team know if something happens

and it's out of their control kne

should contact Tyler first. Or,

they'd rather, they can video call to request time off. As long as it doesn't affect the work, we'll approve it."

"Yes, Mr. Connor. I'll go now."

Fiona nodded, tossed the report to Tyler, and dug a silver needle kit out of her backpack. She glanced at Tyler. "Go knock her out."

Tyler blinked. "Wait, what?"

"I can't help her unless she's unconscious. I won't be able to use the needles otherwise," Fiona said, already prepping her tools.

Whatever Anna had been through, it must have been awful. Otherwise, Tyler would never have found her abandoned in that alley and brought her back.