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

Adrian's face looked like he'd just seen a ghost: "!!!"

"Sis! What are you even saying?!"

Sending him to Empire Academy is like throwing him into reform school!

"Come on, sis, you must be joking, right...?"

Flora glanced at him, her eyes asking, do I look like I'm joking?

"I think Flora's idea is spot on," Raul chimed in.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Adrian was about to burst into tears: "Dad! My dear dad! You can't be serious. Empire Academy-is that even fit for people? If your smart, adorable, and generous son leaves, you'll be lonely!"

He regretted coming here. Why couldn't he have just stayed on the field and trained?

Karter smirked, "If you leave, I'll get to enjoy two extra servings of pasta and maybe live a bit longer!"

Empire Academy-a place so many dream of but never get to go.

Karter had toyed with the idea of sending Adrian there for training before, but he wasn't tight with Connor, so he felt awkward bringing it up.

Now, things were different. They were family now!

Finally, Karter made up his mind, "Flora, make sure the academy's instructors give him a tough time. Just don't let them break him. If one year isn't enough, then two it is!"

"Sure, I'll take care of it," Flora assured.

Then she looked at Adrian, patted his shoulder, and said, "Once you're in there, make the most of it, kid."

Fuming, Adrian stormed out and called Kruz the moment he was outside.

As soon as the call connected, he let it all out: "This is nuts! They're sending me to Empire Academy! Is that even a place for humans? Will I even make it out alive? No, I've got to escape right now. Kruz, you've been through this, tell me, what's the best way to get out?" "Ha ha ha! Bro, I can't help you there. I did escape, but they caught me in no time," Kruz's voice was dripping with amusement. "Honestly, man, Empire Academy isn't that bad. Loads of people wish they could go there. I'm actually a bit jealous. When you come back, you'll be a real tough guy."

Adrian was so mad he could grind his teeth: "Kruz, you...!"

"My uncle? He's been gone for ages. Listen, bro, enjoy some good food while you can. Once you're in, you won't get that chance."

"Get lost!"

Adrian angrily hung up the phone!

Meanwhile, at the Falcone household...

Kruz, still holding his phone, was laughing so hard he was nearly in tears.

Amanda came downstairs and saw him nearly laughing himself silly, her perfectly arched eyebrows furrowing: "What's got you in stitches?"

Kruz spilled the beans about Adrian being packed off to Empire Academy, getting more amused as he talked.

He didn't notice Amanda's thoughtful look.

"That's actually a great idea."

Kruz could use a little toughening up himself.

"Aren't you best buds with that Reyes kid? He's off to Empire Academy, so you should tag along. If you don't come back with some sense, don't bother coming back at all

The grin vanished from Kruz's face, and he fell off the couch in shock.

"Mom, you're joking, right?"

"No," Amanda said, heading back upstairs. "I'm going to chat with your brother about sending you there."

Kruz slapped himself in frustration.

That's what you get for laughing at others' misfortunes!

Look what's happened now!

He cautiously glanced upstairs, then grabbed his phone to call Adrianz "Bro, honestly, I feel for you. How about thelp you escape? I'm worried you'll get into trouble alone. l join yout."

There was a two-second silence on the other end, followed by a cold laugh: "What, you got roped into it too?"

Kruz: "..."