Jared remained silent for a long time, making it as if he had been waiting for her to say this.In response, Nicole murmured to herself, 'This is bad. I'm done. That's it. He has gotten me to bite. The words had been spoken, and now, there's no way to take them back. It's too late to regret it now.'The corner of Jared's mouth curled up by a slight bit, whereupon he looked at Nicole and said, "Tell me. What is the matter of interest that Tia was trying to tell me?"Nicole looked at him and took a deep breath. "So, this is the situation. I went to find Harvey after meeting up with you today. So, after we were done viewing the venue, I was getting ready to head back to the Sea View Villa when he came stubbornly got into my car. He said he wanted to follow me to pay my grandma a visit.'"I had no choice but to take him along. Later on, he said he wanted to see the vegetable farm for himself," Nicole continued as she replayed the scene in which Harvey was making a fool of himself in th
"By the way, when will the equipment and materials arrive?" Nicole looked at Jared and asked."When will you be needing it?" he replied. "I'll send them to you whenever you need it."A smile appeared on the corner of Nicole's mouth, "Wow, that's really nice of you. Can I have it the day after? I must plan the office arrangement tomorrow.""Okay. Do you need me to send someone over to help you with the planning?" Jared looked at Nicole and asked with concern."There's no need for that," she said. "I can do it myself.""By yourself?" he asked. "But it's such a huge venue. How can you do it alone?'"Don't you worry about it. I'll send some men over tomorrow, and then, you can tell them what you've got in mind," Jared said bluntly, rendering Nicole unable to refuse his offer."How's Mr. Johnston Sr.'s recovery?" Nicole asked, suddenly remembering that Mr. Johnston Sr. was still in the hospital, and that she was in such a hurry that she had not made time to visit him yet."He's reco
Jared had taken a few steps before he noticed that Nicole's footfalls were not trailing behind him.Then, he turned around to see that Nicole was standing on the flight of steps in a daze. "What are you thinking about?""It's nothing. I suddenly remembered that there's something I need to take care of."As soon as she was done speaking, she hurried back down before he could even utter a word. Jared had wanted to tell her that she could use the study room, but she was long gone by then."Coward," he sneered.Nicole plonked herself atop the couch with her heart pounding in her chest. She was afraid that Jared would come back around, and so, she whirled around to check if he was. The instant she saw that he was nowhere near her, she issued a sigh of relief.'If I had not taken the initiative to escape earlier, he would have stopped me. The problem now is that there is no computer in the living room and mine is all the way up in my bedroom. What should I do so that Jared wouldn't sus
"Yeah, is there a problem?" Nicole replied defiantly."No, I was just asking," Jared replied as he strutted off to the dining hall instead of making his way toward her."Just asking? Why do I feel like you're not simply just asking? You're clearly monitoring me," Nicole sneered.Soon after, Zeke gave her a video call, which she answered. "Is it done?""Yeah." Zeke's voice echoed from the speakers.At the same time, Jared was walking past with a glass of water, and when he heard Nicole talking to a man whom he was unfamiliar with, he approached her.Noticing that Jared was coming over, she quickly placed her phone down and looked at him. "Is there something you need?""Who are you talking to?" Jared asked in a tone that hinted at his suspicion."A friend of mine," she explained as she looked at him."What friend?" Jared asked, as he had guessed that Nicole was talking to a friend whom he did not know of, or else she would have mentioned the person by name."It's just a friend!
"Didn't you have something you said you need to deal with? Are you not going to do it anymore?" Jared asked."I am doing it, but the computer is upstairs." Nicole made her way upstairs after she had uttered the last word.In response, Jared frowned at Nicole and thought, 'I am sure she is avoiding me on purpose!'When Nicole arrived at the bedroom door, she whirled around to ensure that Jared was not following her. After she was sure that he had not followed her, she went in and locked the door.Relieved, she thought, 'Even if he comes knocking on the door, I can just lie down on the bed and pretend as if I am sleeping.As there was no threat from Jared, she would not be needing Zeke as an escape plan. Nicole pulled her covers up and wrapped herself in them before falling asleep peacefully.Meanwhile, Jared was sitting in the living room, watching TV in a daze, 'What kind of man could make Nicole avoid me? I can't let this matter slide. I have to get to the bottom of this.' Jared
"How can you start work with nothing here?" Nicole smiled at him with an awkward expression on her face.Harvey then realized what he had asked, and with his embarrassment deepening, he quickly explained, "I meant what are going to do today? I can help you out."He then observed her mood and mannerism."Oh, I'm here to plan out the workspace and see how I can furnish the area." Nicole looked at the vast space and started to ponder."It's not easy. I'll look for a designer for you. Just tell him your ideas and he'll know what to do." Harvey pulled his phone out and was about to contact the designer when Nicole stopped him."It's okay. The planning team is on their way, and they'll be here any time now," she said."Oh, you've got yourself a team of professionals already." Harvey smiled."Yeah," Nicole uttered, though she did not tell him that it was Jared's arrangement."How are you going to utilize this area?" Harvey asked."I don't know yet," she replied. "Do you have any sugg
"Oh, that's nice."Both offices should be able to house about twenty to thirty people. There won't be this many people, but there'll be equipment, which takes up space as well," Nicole explained."Equipment?" an employee asked. "Do you have the measurements of the equipment you are referring to?""The equipment aren't big. I'll just have a few of them in the office. Additionally, it's best to have a set of double doors for the office," Nicole demanded."Sure, we'll design it according to your requirements," an employee said."When will you begin with the construction and how long will it take?" Nicole asked."If it's possible, we can begin today, and you'll be able to use it tomorrow," one of the men said."Wow, that's quick! Well then, let's start with the construction today. Thank you very much," Nicole politely said."Okay, I'll get the workers to bring the tools over," the designer said."Sure, I'll leave this to you. We'll make a move now," Nicole said, after which she an
"Monitor her closely," Jared said. "As long as she doesn't harm any of our men, just ignore her. I need you to orchestrate a ploy to keep the McCarthys held up in the country, so that we can temporarily sever their connection with their allies from abroad."And also, I need you to find out who she has been getting support from. We have to start from the roots," Jared added as he gave Max a solemn glare."Yes, sir," Max replied."Have you gotten any updates regarding Henry?" Jared looked at Max."The head of his security detail is planning to leave, but Henry won't be following him. For the time being, he is staying back with only a few bodyguards," Max reported."A good opportunity indeed. Bring him back now," Jared ordered."Yes, sir.""That's all for now. You may leave."Max left the office, and Jared proceeded to glean information about the man who had contacted Nicole last night.Suddenly, another person opened the door to Jared's office, revealing Fiorella behind it."Lo
"Let's go, it's time to head down. The ceremony will start soon."The group laughed and talked as they left the bridal suite. Jared and his friends, Spencer and Preston, were also guided out by everyone.Now, only the family of four remained in the bridal suite, getting ready for their big entrance."Mommy, it's almost time. Let's get ready," Nolan said, pulling on Nicole's hand.Nicole gently patted Nolan and Lana's cheeks, whispering, "Okay."As she made to stand, Jared extended his hand toward her. Lifting her gaze, she caught Jared in a moment of elegance, his charm unmistakable. A smile bloomed on her face as she placed her hand in his.With a gentle tug, Jared drew her up, his touch tender against her palm.In a swift move, he pulled Nicole into his arms, his other hand circling her waist to pull her close.As Jared looked at Nicole, admiration shimmered in his eyes. "You look truly beautiful today," he remarked."Daddy, Mommy is beautiful every day," Lana chimed in, til
Nicole laughed off the debate between Lulu and June, saying, "Both are lovely. I'm happy with either."Both sets of jewelry were beautiful, and she felt that either would do."Exactly. Nicole will shine in anything," Cindy said, picking a set. "Let's go with this one."Lulu gave June a victorious look. "Told you this was the one."Cindy then suggested, "Why not wear this for the ceremony and switch for the reception? That way, we use both.""Great idea," June agreed, smiling at Cindy's suggestion.Nicole smiled. "Sounds perfect."With everyone agreeing, the stylist went ahead with preparing Nicole.Lulu watched Nicole, amazed by how calm she seemed. "Aren't you a bit nervous?" she asked. Lulu remembered her own wedding jitters.Nicole bit her lip, a hint of nerves showing. "I'm more excited than anything," she admitted.She had been looking forward to this day, ready to face the future with Jared with hope and joy."Just finished," the stylist announced, stepping back to adm
"Do you think I don't want to meet someone? I just haven't found the right person," Gary said somewhat resignedly. He had long regarded Nicole as just a friend."Why don't we just try the dates our families set up?" Ryder suggested, calm and collected. He figured since finding someone on his own wasn't working, maybe arranged dates could help. In their circles, it seemed like good matches were meant to be."Arranged dates don't sound great. You hardly know the person. Are we really okay with deciding to spend our lives together like that?" Preston wasn't too keen on the idea."Emery's doing pretty well with it, you know," Ryder said confidently. "I trust our families. They wouldn't set us up with someone terrible. They've probably made sure we'd be a good match."Gary thought it over. "You might be right. Our families aren't just trying to make deals; they want us to be happy."As Gary and Ryder seemed more into the idea, Preston was still unsure. "You guys are serious?""Why not
Jared held Nicole close and looked at her. "After we get married, we'll move to the estate," he said.Their future home would be just theirs.He thought it was good for Nicole to spend more time with her family since she hadn't been with them for five years. But they knew they would move to the estate later."Okay," Nicole said, nodding. She was happy Jared made the estate close to her family, so she was okay with moving.Jared gently touched her hair and kissed her...****Time flew, and soon it was Nicole and Jared's wedding day.From the morning, San Joto was alive with excitement. Everyone was talking about Jared and Nicole's wedding.Politicians, business leaders, close friends, and business partners all came to wish the couple well.The Riddles were busy welcoming the guests, making everything look amazing."Patricia, hurry up, Charlie's here," Ellar called out as he spotted Charlie. He quickly got Patricia to come and greet him. Max, hearing the fuss, came over too.C
"You really need to rest. You shouldn't work for the next few days. Stay home and rest. A bride has to look her best," Gloria said, looking at Nicole and making the decision for her."Bride!" Nicole was surprised because she hadn't talked about any wedding yet."Yes, now that everything is settled, it's time for your wedding with Jared," Gloria said, deciding firmly. She used to think it was best for the kids to decide for themselves, but after several delays, she felt waiting longer made no sense. The wedding should happen soon."I was thinking that too," Jared said. They had planned the wedding after solving the Everett problem, but then they found out Lawrence had hurt Nicole in the past, causing more delays. Now, with everything sorted out, they saw no reason to wait. The wedding was the next big step.Nicole looked at Jared and, with a smile, agreed, "Okay." Their wedding had been waiting for five years; it was time, with no need to wait any longer."That's so cool, I'm the f
Patricia felt a mix of reluctance and happiness as she prepared to part ways with Charlie.Jared glanced at Charlie and said, "It's about time for us to board." He tenderly held Nicole's hand and led her toward the boarding gate."I need to go through the boarding procedures too," Patricia said, biting her lip. "You must find happiness as well.""I will," Charlie assured her with a gentle smile, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You've grown up, too. You don't need to cling to me anymore. I believe Ellar will take great care of you."Patricia nodded, then, leaning closer to Charlie, she whispered, 'When Mr. Johnston and Ms. Riddle get married, make sure you bring my future sister-in-law back with you.' Caught off guard, Charlie playfully scolded her, "You little rascal."Doretta, standing not too far away, overheard Patricia's whispered words. Her cheeks turned even redder."Let's go," Patricia announced, then turned to Doretta, adding, "We'll meet again.""Goodbye,
Lying in bed with Nicole cradled in his arms, Jared whispered gently, "Sleep for a bit.""Mhm." Finally feeling at peace, Nicole smiled slightly, and she quickly fell asleep.As Jared listened to her soft breathing, his eyes softened with affection, and he too closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.The next morning, as the group got ready to head back to San Joto, Zane and Doretta came to say goodbye."I still have things to finish here, but I promise to be at your wedding," Zane said with a big smile."And I'll be there to wish you well, Nicole," Doretta added.Saying goodbye is always hard, but everyone knew they had their own journeys to continue."Great, we'll see you in San Joto," Nicole said with a bright smile."It's time to go," Zane said, knowing they couldn't wait any longer without risking missing their plane."I've got the paperwork," Patricia said, ready to help with the travel documents for Jared and Nicole. Then, looking at Charlie, she asked, "Need help with
Nicole was quiet, thinking about everything. 'If I hadn't remembered everything, maybe Lawrence and I could have stayed friends. But after finding out about the airport, it's impossible...'Not only had she regained her memory, but she had also learned about the airport incident. Lawrence had gone to great lengths to prevent her from returning to San Joto."Thanks for saving me before, but you also hurt me. We're even now," Nicole said calmly, looking at Lawrence like he was someone she didn't know anymore.Jared squeezed Nicole's hand gently. "Let's go."They decided to leave the rest to Zane and head back."Wait." Lawrence's voice stopped Nicole. He sounded almost like he was begging. "Please, don't tell Nolan about this."Nicole paused, then said, "I won't tell him. Not for you, but because I don't want Nolan to see how bad people can be."With that, Nicole walked away with Jared.Lawrence sat down, watching her leave, with mixed feelings."Let's go too," Patricia said to C
"Your robots don't work anymore," a voice said, sounding very pleased. Then, a person came out from behind the crowd, looking pretty proud of himself."Carl!" Nicole was shocked to see him. 'It's Carl!'"It's been a while." Carl smiled and waved at Nicole.Carl had come as soon as Zane told him about the problem. He couldn't just do nothing when Nicole needed help.He didn't expect them to act so soon, which is why he was a little late. But he was still in time to help. Carl was surprised by Lawrence's robots at first, but luckily, the weapons he brought, which he had been working on for years, stopped the robots. This was a big help to everyone."We really need to thank Carl; we would have been in big trouble without him," Zane said, feeling relieved.Zane had asked Carl for help, hoping it would make them more likely to win, but Carl ended up being very important."Thank you," Nicole said with a warm smile. It was nice to see an old friend again."No need to thank me. I'm jus