"Flora is the future Mrs. Hawthorne and thedy of this house. It''s not your ce to criticize her," he said. "Ms. Abbey, if you can''t manage your staff properly, I won''t hesitate to step in and do it myself."


    Connor''s voice remained calm and steady, showing no hint of anger. Yet, a cold shiver ran down Abbey''s spine. It was moments like these that made Connor truly terrifying.


    Abbey''s hands clenched at her sides, barely containing the burning jealousy and rage within her. She had argued herself hoarse, yet Connor hadn''t paused for a moment. But just one word from Flora, and he stopped.


    What was so special about Flora that he treasured her so much?


    "Connor, I''m hungry," Flora said, wrapping her arms around his neck and nuzzling her head against him. "Can we go home? I want the sweet and sour pork ribs and Coca-C you make."


    "Of course." Connor''srge hand rested on Flora''s head, gently ruffling her hair. "Let''s go home."


    "But I''m so tired, I can''t walk," Flora pouted, her eyes full of innocent distress, leaving Abbey and Elijah stunned by her swift transformation from fierce to vulnerable.


    Just moments ago, she had been so bold and defiant, and now she was acting like a helpless bunny? They were only a few steps away from the vi. iming she was too tired to walk was clearly an act. What a drama queen.


    "I''ll carry you back," Connor said, still smiling as he lifted Flora in his arms and walked towards the vi. Moss and Beck quickly stepped aside.


    As Connor reached the doorstep with Flora, he paused and said, "Take your people and leave immediately."


    His voice was cool and deep, carrying a ruthless edge.


    "There won''t be a next time. You know the consequences."


    He didn''t look back, but everyone knew who his words were directed at.


    Abbey''s face flushed with anger as she watched them disappear, jealousy churning madly within her.


    In the car.


    Abbey was still seething, punching the leather seatback in fury.


    Her chest heaved with uncontroble rage!


    Flora!


    How dare she embarrass her in public like that!


    "Miss, don''t be angry. Flora is only relying on Mr. Connor''s favor. Once Mr. Connor grows tired of her, she''ll pay the price!"


    Elijah''s face was still swollen and speaking was painful, but she was keen on staying in Abbey''s good graces. Despite her difort, she carefully observed Abbey''s mood and said, "And besides, you and Mr. Connor are officially engaged. Only you are worthy of being Mr. Connor''s wife."


    Abbey''s expression did not improve.


    She had thought the same as Elijah before, not taking Flora seriously. But now, it seemed she had underestimated Flora. Connor might truly have feelings for her.


    "Flora is going to the medical conference, right?" Abbey suddenly asked.


    Elijah nodded, wincing as the motion pulled at her facial wounds. "It seems so, why?"


    "Call... Joy," Abbey momentarily forgot the name, "ask her to do something for me."


    She wanted to ruin Flora''s reputation!


    Shallow Bay.


    As soon as the door closed, Flora stepped out of Connor''s arms and kept a distance from him. She flopped down on the sofa, seemingly sulking.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Flora..."


    "Stop, just stand there."


    Connor halted in his tracks.