Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life
Chapter 1040

The room was buzzing with awe. Even Mr. Valerio, usually a pillar of authority, showed a hint of genuine respect and apprehension, making Blake and Lydia's smiles freeze in place. As the Chief of Police for the whole metropolitan area, he commanded respect from all the city's officers. Everyone had to treat him with the utmost courtesy and deference. So, seeing him show such respect to a stranger was a shocker! Connor's deep voice reverberated as he acknowledged the situation. Mr. Valerio then turned to Flora, greeting her just as politely, "Ms. Flora." After casting his eyes around the room, his gaze landed on Cynthia.

"Come here," he said, his voice carrying an undeniable air of authority. Cynthia immediately approached him with a cheerful grin, slipping her arm through his. "Uncle~"

Blake and Lydia's minds were blown! Uncle? Cynthia was calling Mr. Valerio her uncle?! Panic washed over them. Wasn't Cynthia supposed to be the daughter of a construction worker? How could she be related to Mr. Valerio? Did Cynthia's mom marry beneath her, a wealthy lady tying the knot with a construction worker?

Blake felt a shiver run down her spine, her face turning ashen. If she'd known Cynthia's uncle was the Chief of Police, she wouldn't have dared to mess with her!

Mr. Valerio kept his stern demeanor, but his eyes softened when he looked at Cynthia. "Your dad's on his way too, and your brothers wanted to come, but I told them to stay home and look after your mom."

"And-" His voice took on a more serious tone. "Have you grown up and gotten foolish? Being bullied and not even speaking up?"

If Flora hadn't caused a scene today, they'd still be in the dark about Cynthia's troubles at school. Cynthia scratched her head, a bit embarrassed. She was grown now and didn't want to bother her family, especially since her dad's job was so demanding. "Auntie Zhang," Eilies chimed in politely. Mr. Valerio smiled and nodded, then turned back to Flora. "Thank you, Ms. Flora. If it weren't for you, this girl would've been in deep trouble."

Flora waved it off, but she was surprised. She hadn't realized Cynthia had such strong backing. Hmm. Seems like all her preparations were unnecessary.

"Uncle, it's her Cynthia pointed at

Blake, complaining, "She threw my paper in the trash, called it garbage tried to make me fail, and said she'd make sure I couldn't stay at the University of Maple Grove! That I wouldn't graduate!"

V

With every word Cynthia spoke, Mr. Valerio's expression grew colder. Blake's legs felt shaky, but she tried to hold her ground. "Mr. Valerio, don't listen to Cynthia's nonsense. I didn't make her fail on purpose; her paper really had issues. I never said anything about making her leave the University of Maple Grove..."

Blake was in denial, unaware that the video of her bullying had already gone viral, and Mr. Valerio had seen it too. The online community watching couldn't handle Blake's performance-so fake! "Someone, please, give her a phone so she can see what's online!"

"Blake really looks like an idiot here, someone give her a phone to browse the web, please!"

"Mr. Valerio, Cynthia is just your niece, maybe you're not fully aware of her character. I think it would be best if her parents came over since it's really something they should handle."

Blake thought she was being clever.

She couldn't touch Mr. Valerio. But Cynthia's parents, being

construction workers, lacked

sophistication. They'd be much

easier to handle than Mr. Valerio. A little money should smooth things over.

"Bringing her parents into this?" Mr. Valerio chuckled coldly. If Cynthia's dad showed up, Blake wouldn't know what hit her.

Just then, the sound of a helicopter echoed overhead. Mr. Valerio's eyes darkened. Well, it seemed the arrival was imminent.