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

But to the rest of the Woods family, this was a slap in the face. How could someone who was once considered a nobody suddenly become the celebrated eldest daughter and second son of the Woods family? Those who had grown up in the main branch had given their all-blood, sweat, and tears-without ever catching the old man's eye.

Jackson and Kimberly, what made them so special?

Jealousy and resentment clouded the minds of many. They channeled all their bitterness towards Jackson and Kimberly, knowing full well the family's rules. If they could oust these two, they could climb up to a pseudo-main branch status, much more prestigious than being sidelined as mere offshoots.

Jackson and Kimberly strolled inside, sharp as tacks, fully aware of Grandpa Woods' intentions. He was setting them up as the scapegoats.

Being new to the Woods clan meant they were the perfect pawns. Those who had been punished would direct their anger at them, and for the time being, both Jackson and Kimberly were caught in the thick of it.

Suddenly, Jackson's thoughts drifted to Fiona's gentle face. Meeting her now was out of the question; he didn't want the family's wrath to fall on her. He needed to shield his girl, make sure she wasn't caught up in this storm.

Before long, they reached the inner residence. The main branch's estate was a world apart from the Capital branch-opulent beyond belief. It was sprawling, several times the size of the Capital branch, with every possible luxury and amenity.

Meeting Grandpa Woods was another surprise. They'd pictured a man in his eighties or nineties, but here he was, looking barely past fifty or sixty.

Jackson did the math-he was thirty, and if his parents were alive, they'd be in their fifties. Yet Grandpa Woods seemed so... young.

Was he some kind of ageless wonder?

Kimberly was equally stunned. To a stranger, he could easily pass for someone from their parents' generation.

"Surprised by my looks, are you?" Grandpa Woods chuckled, rubbing his chin, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I'm not from your grandfather's era. Like you, I rose from being an offshoot to my current position of power.

With that short explanation, Jackson and Kimberly pieced it all together. Back in the Capital, Fiona had given them a USB drive detailing the turmoil in the main branch thirty years ago.

Their parents had been forced to flee when the head of the main branch died unexpectedly, and a new leader-the man standing before them-took charge.

Now it all clicked into place.

"Not many from those days are still around, living carefree lives. Some are gone, others lost their minds,

and the rest have gone underground. Since we found that little jade pendant, the truth of those years is about to come to light.

Keeping us in the Woods family was part of your plan, wasn't it?" Jackson said with a knowing grin, prompting Grandpa Woods to laugh heartily and commend Jackson's sharp mind.

"Alright then, but if I dig deeper, I'm assuming you'll step in. If I manage to sort out

the Woods family's internal mess, will you spill the beans about what really

happened back then?" Jackson proposed.

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"Deal! But let me tell you, sorting out the Woods family's mess won't be a walk in the park. These old-school beliefs aren't something you can change overnight," Grandpa Woods replied, eyeing him with a mix of challenge and amusement,