'Bullshit, respect!'"Don't use this nonsense to corner me. She's someone I love. How can I let her go so easily?"'Nicole, I won't ever let go, not ever.'Lawrence was overjoyed to see Jared's emotions coming to the surface. He could not help but smile wider. "It's your choice to make. I won't mind it anyway, but you should know that the prettiest looking fruits won't end up being the sweetest."Jared's face darkened. The entire Riddle family were looking at the two of them. Daniel looked at Lawrence with discontent. Everyone in the room was aware that Lawrence wanted to separate Jared and Nicole, not wanting them to have any chance of reconciliation.With a cold face, Daniel spoke up. "Everyone in this family agreed with this marriage. Coming as an outsider, you have no right to talk about this. I'd like to know from this gentleman here, what right did you have to keep my daughter hostage abroad for so many years, and five years at that? Letting her be unable to be reunited with
For the past five years, Jared had been hating himself for not protecting Nicole well enough, and to the extent of blaming himself for letting the jet crash. It was one of his deepest regrets that left him living in pain every day. Jared had a clear conscience when it came to everyone else he had to deal with. However, when it came to Nicole, the guilt ate him up entirely knowing that he owed her a lot.Jared did not speak for a while, his eyes were filled with sadness. Nicole could not bear to look at him.On the other hand, Lawrence continued to attack Jared with his words that were sharp as knives. "I gave her the power to decide for herself when she woke up. I asked her if she wanted to come back here, but because of her son, she had to survive. She hadn't come back here for the past five years and for all these years, I was the one protecting her, not letting her get hurt even slightly."The last sentence Lawrence uttered out seemed to be him showing off of how well of a job he
Gloria and Daniel relaxed when they saw Nolan was taking the initiative to take Lawrence around for a house tour.Lawrence took a glance at Nicole before he left. "You don't mind if I accompany him for a while, do you?"Noticing Lawrence's modest and polite manner; Nicole nodded in agreement.For the past five years, Lawrence would ensure that he asked her for her permission and would never force things on her that would make her uncomfortable."Go ahead. Nolan has been missing you these past few days." Nicole smiled at Lawrence, as if the two of them had an unspoken understanding.Onlookers would misjudge them as husband and wife. Jared, who was looking at this scene, felt even worse and directly blocked Lawrence from his sight. Jared grabbed Nicole by her arm and said, "Let's go back to our room."Jared emphasized on going back to their room on purpose, ensuring that Lawrence had heard him loud and clear, before leaving with Nicole."Oh yeah... Leo, feel free to do what you li
"Of course." Jared nodded his head, eyes full of confidence.Lana smiled brightly. "Then, birth father, do you have money?"This sudden question stunned Nicole. 'Nolan and Lana are twins. They're both smart.'Jared raised his eyebrows and said nonchalantly, "Yes.""Then... birth father, do you have a big house?" Lana asked innocently, staring at Jared with her big eyes.Jared grinned confidently and replied, "Of course!"Jared carried Lana over to the balcony, before pointing to the manor next door. "That's the house I bought for your mother.""Wow!" Lana had her mouth agape, trying to maintain her composure. "Then... do you know kung fu?"Jared nodded. "Of course. Your father is an all-rounder in civil and military affairs."Lana smiled. "That's amazing!!! All the kids at kindergarten will be jealous that I have such an amazing father!"When Jared heard Lana's explanation, he could not help but laugh. 'How can a kid this young know how to show off? Kids these days are really
Nicole reached out and patted the back of his hand. "It's all in the past."Nicole did not care if anyone around her was concerned about the matter."It's not." Jared slowly let go of her, pulling her wrists away and checking her wrists to see the scar on the tendon of her arm."Before this, you were able to do anything. Even I couldn't lay a finger on you, but now... you're much weaker in strength..." Jared looked at Nicole with a troubled look, before reaching out and tucking her hair behind her ear. Jared's action was so natural which caused Nicole to blush, but she did not shy away from it.Nicole felt relief in her heart, knowing that she did not jerk away from his touch."It's okay. It doesn't matter anymore. I'm at the age where I don't have to bother using any strength. Plus, now that I'm home, I doubt there'd be anyone who'd dare bully me."Jared had a dead set expression. "Whoever dares to hurt you again, I'll let them suffer the consequences."The serious look on Jare
Jared's actions were smooth like butter. Nicole had almost believed that they were an old married couple.Lawrence noticed Jared's actions and copied them. He poured a glass of warm water for Nicole. "You should eat less of the raw food. It's not good for your health."Jared and Lawrence both looked at each other. If they were in a comic, one would see the lasers zapping out from their eye contact. Nicole wished the earth would open up and swallow her to get her away from all the embarrassment."Thanks, guys," Nicole said before lowering her head in embarrassment.However, the battle between these two men was not over yet. Jared served Nicole a bowl of soup. "Here, have some soup. It's more nutritious than water."Lawrence ignored Jared and gave Nicole a smile before putting some vegetables onto her plate. "Don't drink too much soup. Here, have some veggies."The jealousy between the two men made Nicole extremely uncomfortable.Jared was unwilling to admit defeat. He noticed a g
Jared stared at the arm Nicole had broken away from. At that moment, he felt like he was the third wheel.Jared faked a smile and said, "In that case, you treat your guest well. I shall leave." After the words fell, Jared turned around and left.Seeing this, Lana started screaming, "Dad! Are you leaving?"Lana's aggrieved look made Jared and her uncles feel distressed when they saw her. Even if Jared was upset, he could only say, "I'll be right next door. You can come visit me if you want to, Lana.""Okay..." Lana nodded and pursed her mouth in an angry manner.Though Jared by nature was soft-hearted, the situation had forced him to leave temporarily. He needed time to sort out his emotions.Nicole watched Jared leave, thinking that she would be feeling relieved, but her heart was inexplicably heavy. Nicole stared at Jared with some reluctance in her eyes while Lawrence's eyes were filled with glee.Smiling, he said, "I'm sorry I made you guys fight about me."Nicole shook her
There was a hint of skepticism when Lawrence deliberately refused Nicole returning to the country. The excuse of him not having enough power and influence in San Joto was suspicious enough.'Lawrence was a very cautious person to begin with. He never does things he's unsure of.' Nicole took a deep breath, as if to organize her thoughts. She stretched out her hand to Lawrence."Thank you so much for always being considerate of me. But don't you worry. Now that I'm home, you're still my friend and it won't ever change. I must congratulate you for getting into Hustuaburg though if there's anything you need help with. Don't be afraid to ask me for help." Nicole smiled brightly. Her face was filled with sincerity.Lawrence's mood somewhat eased a little after listening to Nicole's words.'It seems like she believes me, which is enough for me.' Lawrence reached out his hand to shake Nicole's, smiling. "Alright, I should congratulate you too, CEO of the Riddle Corporation."Nicole was ta