Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life novel Chapter 1578

When Fiona laid eyes on Tyler, her face softened noticeably. The tension that had been gripping the room started to ease up, and the heavy atmosphere began to lift.

Tyler's hands were tied with rough rope, his wrists bruised and showing traces of blood. Fiona narrowed her eyes, a sharp gleam flickering in her gaze.

"Now that I've brought him to you, let my granddaughter go," the old man's deep voice echoed with authority.

His cloudy eyes were fixed on Fiona, almost as if he was ready to pounce. But Fiona didn't flinch. Her face was calm as she met his gaze. "I'm taking Tyler out of here."

"No way!" A girl's piercing voice sliced through the air, causing Fiona to wince. She shouted at the old man, "Grandpa, you can't let them leave! If Jules goes with her, I'd rather die."

Fiona didn't quite grasp the whole story, but she stared at the people around her with a cool detachment. Her focus remained on the old man—clearly the only one with real power in the room.

He was a sharp character, no doubt. But Fiona wasn't worried about a showdown. What really puzzled her was how such old-school traditions were still kicking around in this day and age.

It wasn't hard to figure out. When Tyler's uncle and aunt had shown up at the school looking for him, they'd dropped plenty of hints. The so-called Reynolds family was definitely more than met the eye.

"Grandpa, get this nasty woman out of here! I want her gone! She's trying to take Jules from me. Hurry before it's too late, or what am I supposed to do?"

The girl cried pitifully, but the old man stayed silent, sizing up Fiona.