Colton was baffled as he watched helplessly, while his stark raving mad daughter dashed out."Fiorella!" He turned around in an attempt to grab hold of her, but unfortunately, he could only manage to grab a piece of her dress.Fiorella sprinted out into the open anyway, forgetting that she was wearing a lace dress, and that there was gasoline under her feet. She thought there was just a bit of it, and that she could easily get past after sprinting away.However, she was completely engulfed in flames as soon as she stepped into the yard."Argh!!!"The flames covered her, devouring her gown, and the searing sensation caused her to shriek in pain. There, she completely forgot about the reason why she had ran out and immediately fell onto the ground, which was covered in large puddles of gasoline."Miss Fiorella!!" Shocked, her bodyguards immediately ran up to her with fire extinguishers in hand to put the flames out.And though the fire was soon extinguished, it took a few bodyguar
Other than his desire to exact vengeance upon Fiorella, Nicole did not think that Jared had any other reason to do this to them.Jared was slightly taken aback as he did not expect Nicole to be able to make the correct guess so soon.He smiled. "As I'd thought, my wife is really smart.""That's enough, don't call me that." Nicole warned, not liking what he had said as title did not suit a young woman like her at all."My lover?" Jared teased her."Shut up. I'm hanging up," Nicole finished, for all she wanted was a confirmation for her suspicions.Then, she immediately hung up without saying another word.After that, Samuel and Spencer ran up to her. "Nicole, you ate too fast, man."To follow Nicole's pace was indeed tiring for them both.To add to that, Samuel still had a sandwich in his hand."You just eat too much," Nicole retorted."Me?!" Samuel was at a loss for words, but he could not deny it, as what Nicole said was a fact.Spencer laughed. "Yes, someone finally said
Aside from the fact that they were playing volleyball, they had to play against twelfth graders. It was obvious that this was bullying.Even Vivian could feel her confidence waning.At this moment, she looked at Nicole and whispered, "Nicole, they have ill intentions. Raine is clearly coming after you. Please don't bring any of us down together with you..."Nicole rolled her eyes and said, "Don't worry, I won't drag any of you down with me."It was only then did Vivian piped down somewhat.However, the teacher was dead set in his ways. "You girls, form a group. Have a set with your seniors first."The teacher then pointed at Nicole, the class representative, Lulu, June and Vivian's general direction.At that instant, Vivian's expression changed. "It can't be right. I'm in too?"She did not play volleyball at all."Of course. Hurry up," the teacher said, and called another girl over to create a team of five before sending them into the court.Seeing Nicole on the court, Raine
At that moment, both Lulu and June were left dumbstruck.Bradley rushed over to Nicole's side. "Holy moly, Nicole! That was awesome! Your spike was far better than theirs!"That was the twelfth-grade women's volleyball team that had represented the school in many games.No one expected Nicole would knock Raine out with just a single spike. At that point, it was clear that she outclassed her opponents in terms of skill.Yet, all Nicole did was put her hands in her pocket as her demeanor turned cold. "I don't know how to play volleyball. I just learned that on the spot.""Eh?""Nah, that can't be right."The instant they heard that Nicole did not know how to play volleyball, Lulu, Bradley and the others were all taken aback.'But you just..." Bradley said in surprise.But before he could finish the sentence, Nicole shot him a glance. "It's just a move I've picked up from Raine. Well, at least this set is done now."She really did not know how to play volleyball, nor did she wis
'It's all Nicole's fault! I'll kill her if that's the last thing I do!"After school, Nicole, Lulu and June walked out of the classroom and went descended the flight of steps to head home.As she thought about how Nicole was about to catch her ride home soon, Lulu lamented, "I really miss the days when you stayed in the dormitory with us. It's just the two of us this semester. It's so lonely."Although no one dared to bully them anymore because of their friendship with Nicole, they felt very lonely without Nicole around."It's better to be lonely. The last semester has been nothing but chaotic." Nicole replied, knowing that most of the chaos was because of her, and that the two of them would do much better this semester."It is, but we do miss you a lot." June smiled as she looked at Nicole with an expression of sincerity."I'll go to the dorm to look for you two when I have the time." Nicole relented in an attempt to comfort them.By then, the three of them had walked out of th
Noticing that Nicole was indeed feeling unwell, Samuel and Spencer gently helped her into the car in a hurry. As for Nicole, she avoided any contact and movements with her shoulder, planning to treat it once she got home.Deep down, however, she was cursing at the predicament she was in. 'Crap, I've forgotten that the dinner is today. If there's a bruise, how am I supposed to wear a dress?"After Samuel and Spencer had gotten into the car, the driver quickly drove back them to the Riddle residence, where everyone at was busy dressing up. Upon arrival, Samuel and Spencer scattered to get their own change of clothes.Meanwhile, Nicole went straight upstairs after greeting her parents.There was not much time left for her to check the school's surveillance cameras, and so, she could only find a way to deal with her wound first.The second she took her coat off, she noticed that her shoulder was swollen and severely bruised.Even though the Beacon could speed her recovery up, it woul
If it were not for Stanley, she really would not have been given the opportunity to wear such a dress."You're too kind. Being my companion is a far harder ask, in my opinion." Stanley smiled and thanked her gently.Seeing that Stanley's companion was already present, Samuel pouted. He only felt a tad bit better when he noticed that Sean and Steve's companions were yet to be here."If all of you are ready, let's go." Daniel looked at his watch and slowly got up."Alright." Gloria nodded as she walked forward while holding Daniel with their arms linked.Sean and Steve led the way in making way for their parents, with Nicole, Stanley, Samuel, and Spencer following along with Tia in tow.When Mrs. Wallace Sr. saw the family leaving in such a grand display of regality, she could not help but feel very happy for them.The night lights shone bright.At the ground level of the Riddle Corporation building, luxury cars were driving in one after another, with all of them stopping to drop
These voices streamed in one after another, and everyone began to feel jealous of Nicole.Nicole ignored the voices, looked at her brothers, and shook her head. "I'm fine. I'm just not used to wearing high heels."It was only then that her brothers heaved a sigh of relief.Samuel then smiled. "Hold onto me then."As expected, that smile from him brought forth another wave of shrill squeals from the women around him."So handsome...""What a bright smile."Seeing that, Samuel could only feel proud of himself.Nicole instantly knew what he was thinking and rolled her eyes. "There's no need for that. Tia can help me."At that moment, Tia got out of the car, and when she heard what Nicole had said, she immediately rushed over. "Yes, Miss Nicole can hold onto me, Mr. Samuel.""Oh..." Samuel said, suddenly looking a little dejected.It would be really cool if he could go in together with Nicole.Spencer rolled his eyes at Samuel at that instant. "You can keep dreaming on about go
"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