"All of this was caused by my hunt for the crest. If it weren't for the crest, my father wouldn't have ended up this way..." Zeke said.'Even though I crave the power it offers, I can't erase the hatred I feel toward this crest,' he thought.Then, Zeke continued, "So what if I can summon people from each and every faction to protect my family after I've gotten the crest? Is anyone truly standing with me? They're merely bowing down to the power of the crest. But you're different, Nicole. You have Carl. You also have the backing of the organization."'Prior to this, I've already known that Nicole commands power beyond what I could expect. But now that she has actually saved me here in Lanningbourg, and after having seen the entire base for myself, I know her people will definitely protect her!' he thought again.As of now, Nicole understood Zeke's plans.'I have to admit, the kid is right. All things considered, the Reby Family Crest hasn't appeared in years, so I do not know what w
Carl did not possess an ounce of care for what Zeke's intentions were, and reprimanded him at once."Nicole... You..."Zeke had no knowledge as to what Nicole had gone through prior to this. It was only then that he finally noticed the bruises and injuries on Nicole's arm. At that point, he was flooded with guilt from the inside.After she had seen Zeke's look of guilt and embarrassment, she finally lost it and yelled, "That's enough. Stop it, Carl!"Carl fell silent after she had shouted at him. However, he was still heaving with anger. He continued staring at Zeke, thinking that he had stopped that ungrateful man.However, it was then that Nicole said, "While this object may bring us unknown danger, no one else can make better use of it other than the organization, provided it is for the right reasons. Besides, the Guzman family are people of the military. It will be a disaster for them if one of their own attains such power."Not expecting Nicole to be so foresighted, Zeke tho
Carl had a look of helplessness as well. He could only give himself a facepalm at that moment and think about how he was going to report this development to Zane's organization.Unbeknownst to them, Zane was at the main base when his phone suddenly vibrated. He was having a drink of water, and when he grabbed hold of his phone, he was left stunned, whereupon he spat out whatever was in his mouth."The sixth-generation owner of the fire crest... Nicole Riddle?!" he asked, as the Reby Family Crest was a legend that Zane had heard of when he was younger.He had never thought that he would ever receive a news of this sort until he was old enough to have children and grandchildren of his own. Moreover, he did not expect to receive news about the owner of the Reby Family Crests today, for it was something that had not happened in the past hundred years.'Those who possess the Reby Family Crest has the authority to enlist all of the families who had joined the alliance during the Holy War
Nicole threw the phone back at Carl. "He's alright, but he did tell us to return home at once."Carl blanched again. "Alright? We're definitely going to be yelled at when we get back, aren't we?"However, Nicole had a look about her that indicated that there was no denying the fact that he was right. Those affiliated to the crest notified were all scions of the families that had lingered for hundreds of years.'Uncle Zane's identity has always been the subject of mystery. Even Carl and I have never asked him about it before. However, Uncle Zane was actually included in the list of families affiliated to the Reby Family Crest. As he was able to receive the notification pertaining to the ownership of the crest, he must be one of the legitimate scions of one of these ancient families. He will know far more about the origins of the crest as compared to the rest of us, and that's why I'll definitely need to return at once and get things straight with Uncle Zane in person. But Jared... No
'I didn't expect that as soon as I switch the camera on, I would be met with a face so unfamiliar. Darn it. It just seems that I can't keep it hidden anymore."At around this time, Fiorella was busy taking care of Jared in his ward. As Mr. Johnston Sr. walked in, he saw what she was doing, and was stunned by the sight in front of him.Mr. Johnston Sr. was puzzled. 'So that was why he hasn't been contacting me as of recent. I knew he had a girlfriend, which is why he doesn't come home often.'Initially, Mr. Johnston Sr. had received some really bad news, and had been meaning to tell Jared about it, but much to his chagrin, Max had been dissuading him. Now, Mr. Johnston Sr. might be old but he was vigilant enough to notice that something was wrong.And when he made it a point to find out, he discovered that Jared was injured and had been hospitalized for several days. 'How dare they keep it from me!?'This was why Mr. Johnston Sr. had rushed to the hospital to pay both Jared and Nic
In fact, Mr. Johnston Sr. had obviously made his way here to find out more about this matter.It was then that Nicole looked at her watch and thought, 'I can't help but wonder how many century-old families are affiliated to this crest, so much so that even the Johnston family are a part of the Holy Alliance. Does this mean that all of the century-old families in San Joto had received the news?'Nicole sighed, as she was worried that Jared's family would find out about this.On the other side of the camera, Mr. Johnston Sr. turned to look at Fiorella after having spoken to the housekeeper."You've worked hard taking care of my grandson for the past few days. Now that I'm here, you can go home and get some rest," Mr. Johnston Sr. said to Fiorella in a polite tone of voice, though he was otherwise unemotional and collected.Fiorella could not help but feel that it was very insensitive of Mr. Johnston Sr. to ask her to leave, but she pretended as though she was sincere about her being
Without the slightest hint of mercy, the man in black turned to his other subordinates and ordered, "Take them out and slaughter them. Crush them into bits and feed them to the dogs!"A series of muffled sounds emanated from the three hostages. They were so frightened that that they knelt over and wailed. However, their pleas were futile, as they were soon dragged out by the other men, who were getting ready to feed them to the dogs.The man in black was purple with rage. Glancing at the screen of his phone, he knew that he was at a total loss, and that he would never get to be who he used to be. It was then that his phone rang, and after a moment of hesitation, he answered the call.A moment of total silence ensued, as a sense of iciness emanated from the other end of the call. He knew at the other party was waiting for him to speak.After drawing a deep breath, he said, "I messed up this time, but don't worry. I will handle this matter professionally.""How are you going to deal
Carl look displeased as he said, "Actually I don't think it's really necessary. We've solved this problem before. What else could happen? This is the manufacturing site of the Brave. Who would be stupid enough to come here and start a fight? Are they blind enough to do that?Nicole looked at Carl with an expressionless look on her face. "You better not cause me any trouble."After saying that, she watched as Zeke's helicopter took off and flew away. Soon after, the helicopter that she was about to board came flying in from the distance.Nicole switched her phone off as she waited for the helicopter to arrive. As the helicopter drew closer, she began to feel that something awful was about to happen. As the helicopter was about to land, this gut feeling prompted Nicole to turn around and throw herself onto the ground, tackling Carl along the way. Before Carl could react, he was already pushed onto the ground by Nicole. It was only after he had rolled under the jeep beside him that he
"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