Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life
Chapter 561

They were all still reeling, unable to snap back to reality.

Flora felt a bit tired and leaned back in her seat to rest. Shawn gestured for everyone to keep quiet so Flora could sleep peacefully.

They returned to the lab right at three in the afternoon. By the time Alexa got back, it was already half-past five. Naturally, she got a lecture, but today was different. Despite the scolding, she neither cried nor got agitated. Instead, she wore a strangely eerie smile. When she looked at Flora, it was like a venomous snake hissing.

On Friday after school, Connor was, as usual, on time to pick up Flora. When they arrived at Shallow Bay, Lance, Colton, and the head of the Intelligence Division were all there, surprisingly.

"Ms. Flora!" they greeted, clearly happy to see her. Flora smiled and nodded back.

Connor held Flora's hand as they walked into the mansion and sat on the couch. "What's up?" he asked.

"Well, here's the thing. We've received an invitation from Club 257. In less than a week, it's their annual meeting," the Intelligence Division head said seriously, holding a notebook. "We've never had any dealings with Club 257, so this invitation is quite unexpected. All the elders replace it rather unusual."

Flora just listened quietly.

The head continued, "This year's meeting is on an island in the Southeast, and it'll last three days and nights. Besides us, other factions have been invited too. Boss, do you want to go yourself, or should we send someone in your place?"

Connor gently squeezed Flora's hand. "Feel like going for a bit of fun?"

"Sure, why not," Flora replied with a light laugh.

Going with Connor would be perfect. She had planned to discuss the annual meeting with him, even if the Intelligence Division head hadn't brought it up.

The head sighed internally. It was clear that his boss was firmly under Flora's influence. If she wanted to go, there was no need to even ask Connor. He flipped a page in his notebook and continued, "I'll start arranging the personnel. This sudden invitation from Club 257 is suspicious. We can't let our guard down."

The invitation mentioned each faction could only bring twenty people and all firearms and knives would have to be handed over upon arrival. Given Club 257's good reputation, many factions trusted them. Otherwise, who would agree to such conditions?

The Intelligence Division head was worried about potential incidents, so he was extra cautious. After discussing the annual meeting, he and Connor talked about some internal matters of the Empire Base. Flora, losing interest, took out her phone and messaged Crimson.

Flora: No need to pick me up, I'm going to the annual meeting with Connor.

...

Finally, the day of Club 257's annual meeting arrived. This year's event was on an island just outside of Maple Grove. It was only a two-hour drive from Shallow Bay. Flora and Connor left at two in the afternoon and arrived near the island right at four.

About a hundred meters from the island, Club 257 members were at the entrance, guiding the way. Hundreds of luxury cars were parked at the entrance, creating a spectacular sight. "Please present your invitation," one of the staff members said.

Moss rolled down the window and handed over the invitation. After checking it and noticing the Empire Base emblem on his chest, the staff member returned the invitation respectfully. "Please, go ahead," they said.