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

The moment Joe's words hit the air, everyone around was left in a state of utter confusion. Their faces wore expressions of disbelief and bewilderment. "An autograph?"

Seriously, what autograph?

Joe, being the big boss of Racing Club 257, had quite a prestigious reputation. So, why on earth would he be after an autograph from some young girl? Flora was just as surprised, her expression a mix of shock and amusement. "An autograph?"

Joe nodded enthusiastically, "Yes!"

Seeing Flora's puzzled look, he quickly added, "You meet so many people, you probably don't remember someone like me, but I remember you! It was at..." Joe hesitated, realizing the crowd around them. He didn't want to spill the beans about Flora's identity, so he dropped his voice to a whisper for the next part.

"Your racing skills? Absolutely amazing! I haven't been able to forget them since the day we met. Plus, you indirectly saved my life! Without the medicine you gave me, my heart condition would've done me in!"

Joe was getting more and more animated with each word. "I never thought I'd get to see you again!"

"Could you... would you mind giving me your autograph?"

Joe's voice was cautious, almost as if he was afraid she'd say no. If she didn't want to, that was okay. Disappointing, sure, but he couldn't push Flora!

Joe's hopeful yet cautious demeanor was clear to everyone, leading to another round of "What in the world?" looks from the crowd. But suddenly, everything clicked into place.

No wonder Joe had made it a point to show up at the race himself. No wonder he'd gone out of his way to support the Reyes family. They all thought it was because of Connor, assuming Connor had twisted Joe's arm. But nope, it was all about Flora.

Flora, the one they'd underestimated time and time again. Now, they were a bit envious of the Reyes family, wondering how they'd lucked out with such a gem. She knew folks from the TM Club, and now even the head honcho of Racing Club 257 was treating her like royalty!

Flora looked at Joe, trying to place him. After a moment, she still couldn't remember who he was, but she got the gist of the situation.

She shrugged casually, "An autograph? Sure."

Trading an autograph for the Reyes family's entry into Racing Club 257 seemed like a pretty sweet deal.

Joe had been waiting, thinking she might turn him down, feeling a bit down in the dumps. But her sudden approval lit him up with excitement!

He quickly had his assistant hand over a pen, then pointed to his fancy shirt, "Here, sign this."

He planned to treasure it forever.

Flora: "..."

Without any fuss, she scribbled her name.

Joe was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

...

Inside the venue, all was calm and serene. But outside, it was a different story.

Luke had been tossed out and was pacing anxiously at the entrance, shivering in the biting winter wind. Just as he was about to turn into an icicle, Zachary was carried out, barely hanging on.

"Dad! What happened?!" Luke rushed over, eyes red with worry, shouting, "What did you do to my dad?!"

The two staff members didn't even bat an eye as they walked past him.

"You come back here!" Luke was seething, ready to chase after them for answers, but security blocked his way.

"Joe's orders: from now on, the Jones family can't set foot in the racing venue."

Luke was trembling with fury, but his dad's health was his main concern. These people weren't worth his anger. "Dad, I'm getting you to the hospital!"

He supported Zachary, who leaned heavily on him, "Go to the Neville family, find Nathan..."

His condition had taken a turn for the worse.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.