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

With the Brimer family's backing, his investment meant the lab wouldn't have to worry about funds ever again.

Hudson was confident that as long as Dr. Ray wasn't an idiot, he'd follow his advice. He even wondered if Flora would end up in tears. Tsk... The girl, crying in bed, would probably look even more captivating. Alexa stood with her chin held high, determined to win. Flora, on the other hand, looked down, her hands stuffed in her pockets, exuding an air of indifference.

Dr. Ray glanced at Flora, made up his mind, took a deep breath, and looked at Hudson. "I appreciate Mr. Otto's visit to the lab; it validates our work here. However, I can't accept the conditions you've proposed. So, let's just drop the investment idea."

Sure, he needed funds, but he couldn't betray his principles for a single investment. Hudson was overestimating his importance. As one of the top labs at the University of Maple Grove, finding investors was the least of their worries. Giving up Flora for that? No way.

Hudson didn't expect Dr. Ray to reject him so directly, and his face darkened. "Dr. Ray, you should know the consequences of crossing the Brimer family."

Crossing them meant losing any chance of future sponsorships. That was clearly a threat.

Dr. Ray's smile vanished. "I was just having a regular conversation with Mr. Otto. I'm not very good with words and might have misspoken. If I offended Mr. Otto, I apologize. Alexa, since you know Mr. Otto, could you please see him out? I have other matters to attend to."

The other senior researchers were stunned; they had never seen Dr. Ray stand his ground so firmly. So cool!

Finally, Flora looked up at Dr. Ray, her casual demeanor giving way to a more respectful one. Alexa nearly ground her teeth in frustration! What was so special about Flora that made Dr. Ray risk offending the Brimer family to protect her?

"For a billion dollars, just for Flora, Dr. Ray, are you really going to pass that up?" Hudson glared at Dr. Ray, feeling his authority was being seriously challenged.

"A billion, is that a lot?"

Before Dr. Ray could respond, Flora, still looking relaxed, spoke up. Her tone was light but carried a hint of defiance. Hudson, already furious, laughed angrily, "Little girl, you think that's not much?" A billion dollars. She probably had never seen that much money in her life.

Flora ignored him, walked to the table, picked up her backpack, and pulled out a card, handing it to Dr. Ray. "The pin is six sixes, there's two billion in there."

Dr. Ray: "..."

Hudson: "..."

Alexa: "..."Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The senior researchers: "..."

"Two, two billion?!"

Dr. Ray's voice wavered. He hadn't misheard, had he? Two billion?! Flora lazily nodded. Dr. Ray: "..."

His hands trembled as he took the card. This was two billion, and Flora mentioned it as casually as if it were two dollars... Is this how all wealthy people behave?

Alexa's face turned as red as a beet. Who could have imagined that with a casual gesture, Flora could produce two billion! No one doubted Flora was lying; no one would be foolish enough to tell a lie so easily exposed.

"Flora, are you really that wealthy!"

Darcy was utterly impressed by Flora's nonchalant display! Hudson's face darkened, and he threatened, "Dr. Ray, whether you take these two billion or not, think carefully."

No one had ever embarrassed him like this. Dr. Ray paused for a moment with the card in hand, then decisively tucked it into his pocket, glanced at Hudson, and calmly said, "Mr. Otto, I believe we no longer have any basis for collaboration."

Threaten him? He wasn't a pushover!

"Very well! Very well!"