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

Mr. Atticus had all the blood samples chilled before heading off to find Crimson. Initially, he had hoped to meet with the elusive President of Club 257, known only as S, but S was a rare sight, even skipping this year's big meeting. With almost everything at Club 257 handled by Crimson, she was the next best option.

Right now, Crimson was lounging at Flora's place, shamelessly mooching a meal. She was full and even planning to snuggle up with Flora for a nap. She relished watching Connor's frustrated yet helpless look whenever she was around.From NôvelDrama.Org.

A staff member interrupted her cozy scene to inform her that someone from the medical organization was looking for her. "Ugh, annoying," Crimson grumbled, clearly irritated. She wasn't fond of the medical organization but knew she had to deal with them.

"Flora darling, just keep the bed warm for me; I'll be back soon." She gave Flora's chest a playful squeeze and threw a teasing glance at Connor before striding away. Connor, feeling a stab of jealousy, watched the spot she had touched and then turned to Colton. "Next time Crimson shows up, don't let her in," he instructed.

Flora couldn't help but laugh. "You guys are so childish!"

...

In the council chamber, Mr. Atticus sat looking visibly annoyed. He had been waiting for twenty minutes, and no one had acknowledged him, not even a cup of tea. It was as if he were invisible. Club 257 was indeed pushing the limits.

"When is Crimson going to come?" he demanded.

A staff member glanced at him nonchalantly. "Our vice president is extremely busy. She'll come when she's ready."

Mr. Atticus's frustration deepened, and he almost stormed out, but he held back, remembering why he was there. Another twenty minutes ticked by before Crimson finally strolled in.

Mr. Atticus stood up, greeting her with forced politeness, "Vice President Crimson."

Most people would at least exchange pleasantries, but Crimson merely hummed and took her seat at the head of the table. "I'm quite busy, Mr. Atticus. If you've got something to say, get to the point." She leaned back lazily, her tone indifferent. Mr. Atticus, feeling blatantly snubbed, felt his temper rise but kept it in check. "Vice President Crimson, I'm here to discuss a business proposal."

"I don't see what kind of business Club 257 could have with the medical organization," Crimson retorted, not bothering to hide her disdain. The shady dealings of the medical organization were far from forgotten. Jules had nearly lost his life because of them, and if it hadn't been for Flora's quick intervention, he'd be dead.

"Don't be too quick to dismiss," Mr. Atticus said, slowly sitting down. "This could be beneficial for Club 257."

He glanced around the room, and Crimson, curious about his secrecy, decided to hear him out. She gestured for the staff to leave.

"Vice President Crimson, are you familiar with Lab M?" Mr. Atticus asked.

Crimson's expression tightened. Mr. Atticus pulled a vial from his coat. "This is the latest drug from the medical organization. It can reshape muscles and grant immense strength. It's not quite up to Lab M's standards, but we've obtained some of their latest samples and are close to developing something similar or even better."

"Once it's ready, we can supply it to Club 257 unconditionally. The only thing we want in return is... Jules and Séraphine."

Crimson's grip on the armrest tightened, her knuckles turning white. Mr. Atticus, oblivious to her tension, continued, "Vice President Crimson, you're smart. You know what's at stake. Hand over Jules and Séraphine, and you'll gain the most formidable power in the world. Besides, we're only borrowing them for a while they won't be harmed."

Crimson's eyes narrowed, hiding a storm of anger behind a calm facade.