Nicole's gaze turned deep and dark when she saw Gary walking away from her.She could already guess what Gary was about to do. 'I guess he'll be disappointed again.'Indeed, Gary was attempting to track her IP address down after going to the computer room. However, Nicole had erased all traces of her online presence, leaving Gary with nothing at all.As expected, Gary came back with his head bowed, feeling devastated.Everybody in the school then heard that the two girls who had deliberately thrown the flowerpot down were given severe punishments before school ended.Nicole decided to leave early because she had something else to do. Meanwhile Lulu and June were making their way downstairs while Gary, Wayne, and Jack happened to be just behind them.Suddenly, June spoke, "Lulu, I heard the two girls who got severe punishments are from the twelfth grade and they're in the same volleyball team as Nicole too...""Yeah. I watched the video, and it was probably them who had thrown th
Then, Lulu left the school with June.After a while, Jack realized what Lulu had said. "What did she mean? Was she implying that you're weak and impotent?"Gary glared at him. "You're the weak one, not me!"Jack became very confused after Gary had shouted at him. "Hey, why did you say that about me? Lulu was the one who made fun of you, not me!"In response, Gary ignored him and stormed off.Wayne rolled his eyes at Jack. "You're so stupid. That's not what she meant at all!"And just like that, Jack was flooded with embarrassment. "I-I guess I misheard"Then, Wayne shook his head in defeat and followed Gary from behind."Hey, guys! Wait for me!" Jack yelled, after which they left the school noisily.After leaving the school, June looked in the direction of the three and shook her head. "They used to be the school bullies, but they've become nothing but stooges now.""Yeah..." Lulu laughed.Then, June began laughing at them too.Nicole had left the school before they did bec
Nicole knew very well what Lloyd was capable of, and he would be able to find out just about anything if he wanted to.Thus, she did not deny it. "Yes, I did.""This organization is called the Raven, and I figured that you've already heard of them since you've crossed paths with them."Nicole's gaze darkened. She did not expect that Lloyd would even know about that.'The Holder family knows what the international police is up to. They're really something else...' she thought."However, they've only sent some lackeys to the Brave conference. There's a different group of people who are ganging up on Curly now. They're the four titans of the Raven. Other than Cara, there is also Ara, Bara, and Dara."Nicole squinted. She could even guess that Cara was just one of the many leaders in the Raven."I guess that your team couldn't find anything about this because all of the cameras along the road were destroyed and the system was corrupted. My men had spent a great deal of effort before
Nicole immediately furrowed her brows. She completely did not expect that Lloyd would put in this much effort.Then, she apologetically said, "I'm so sorry... I didn't know you'd do so much for me. I'll return this favor."Lloyd shook his head and smiled. "Consider it returned if you'd just agree to star in this drama."Nicole's heart felt very heavy. 'How could that ever compare to two human lives?'"There's nothing to be worried about. My informants only did that for the money. They've expected the worst to happen since the day they chose this path," Lloyd gently consoled upon seeing the solemn look on her face.Nicole looked at Lloyd, and could not help but think that she was probably the only person to have seen this ruthless side of him.Then, they chatted for a while more, after which Lloyd said, "That's all for now. It won't be safe for my men to validate those three locations. I'm afraid that the international police will have to do it personally."In spite of how much h
He would not mind even if it took longer.Nicole looked down and took a sip of coffee as she was not comfortable with Lloyd staring at her.Then she asked, "I remember the time now, so is there anything else I should know?"It was her first time being involved in activities like these, so she did not know what the procedures were."Nah. You just have to remember that we share the same manager. Anna will pick you up after school every day," Lloyd explained."The same manager?" Nicole asked, as suspicions began to flood her mind.After all, Lloyd was an A-list celebrity. 'His manager is probably a big shot as well. Is he really sharing her with me?'"Of course, but Anna is rather harsh with her words," Lloyd added.Nicole figured that it was a good thing, so she responded, "Got it.""Okay." Lloyd nodded, feeling slightly disappointed.He really wanted to spend more time with Nicole, but sadly, they barely talked.Then, he got up and said, "Anna will pick you up from your house
When they had walked into the restaurant, they noticed that it was rather empty. There, Nicole immediately knew that it was not easy to get a table at this restaurant.For that reason, Lloyd proudly brought Nicole over to a table.The waiter came over to hand them the menu thereafter, and Nicole casually took a look at it before asking, "Your family owns this place, right?"'If that's not the case, why would everyone be gone as soon as Lloyd is here?' she wondered.Lloyd arched his brows, but he did not deny it. "Yeah, you can come as you wish. There is a private room upstairs, but the view here is better."Then, he gestured for Nicole to look out.Though that place was secluded, it was still located at a much higher plane, allowing them to get a view of the sea. They could also see the forest, whose green contrasted beautifully with the ocean's blue."You have good taste. This is a very good location." Nicole smiled as she already knew that Lloyd was the owner of that restauran
But Jared's voice was low and cold as he responded, "There's nowhere in San Joto that I cannot enter."Then, Max walked up to them and pushed the security's arm aside.The security detail was stunned, but he would not back down without a fight. So, he retaliated and engaged Max in a fisticuff. Both of their arms began clashing against each other's, with neither of them wanting to give in.Seeing that, Lloyd's gaze darkened at once. 'That damn Jared sure is fast.'Nicole had heard Jared's voice too, so she was shocked when she turned around and saw both Jared's and Max's faces. "Why is he here?!"Then, she remembered that Jared's men had been following her wherever she went, and hence, it was not surprising for them to know her whereabouts.'He's such a jealous man. He definitely came here on purpose because he knew I'm here to have a meal with Lloyd,' she thought.Nicole's expression soured as soon as she thought of that.However, Lloyd was exceptionally generous. "Mr. Johnston
Lloyd responded flatly, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Johnston. It's true that I can't take my female friends out for meals, but if Nicole doesn't mind, she can eat at my place."Jared scowled as he was not expecting Lloyd to think of taking Nicole back to his place. 'He has a death wish!'Nicole noticed the change in Jared's expression, and was afraid that he would utter something offensive, so she lowered her voice and said, "Ah, I'll pass on that. I like my mom's cooking, so I don't really fancy eating anything else."Jared felt a great deal better after Nicole had declined Lloyd's offer, so he looked at her and said, "Yeah, mom makes great food."Nicole immediately rolled her eyes at him. 'Who said that I'm sharing my mother with him? This guy is living in his own world.'However, this had made Lloyd upset. He did not care about anything. The only thing he cared about was the fact that he had met Nicole a little too late. If he could meet Nicole a little earlier after he ha
"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