"Three days," Nicole replied as she handed over the information.The other party accepted it. The files held both Nolan and Lana's information that Nicole had sorted out regarding their identities on Crescent Island. Nicole, however, had kept the real identity of Nolan and Lana a secret. Once they were exposed, things would get dangerous real fast.Ever since Nicole's return to San Joto, she had attracted enough attention from enemies. Nicole's decision to protect her children's identities was the best she could do as a mother to provide them an ordinary life."It's almost time. Let's go." Jared had already stood up, carrying Lana in his arms."Yeah, let's go," Nicole agreed, pulling Nolan along to board the cruise ship."Wow, it's so beautiful!" Lana shouted, waving her little hands around."There's no way the sea is this big," said Nolan with a disgusted look, unimpressed with the view."But the night view here isn't as good as it is at Crescent Island," Lana said in awe, know
Though Jared was rejected by Nicole, he still felt really good about himself as he considered that Nicole's sullen look was strangely cute."Haha." Jared let out a sarcastic laugh before letting out a low laugh.Feeling a little hot, Nicole's cheeks became even redder, and her heartbeat quickened.As the cool night breeze blew through her hair, Nicole did not dare to make eye contact with Jared. Nicole was scared to meet his eyes, afraid that she would get lost in them."Tell me about your stay at Crescent Island," Jared requested as he gently combed Nicole's hair.Jared felt regretful he was unable to be by Nicole's side, but he wanted to know how they lived."It's nothing special. I occasionally do my missions, while the rest of my time is spent taking care of Nolan and Lana," Nicole said lightly.Though Nicole said it like it was nothing, Jared knew that it must have been very tough for her to live alone with two children."In the future, it won't be as hard anymore." Jared
Those who had heard of Nicole's return, and those who were affiliated with the Riddle family and those who were not affiliated were finding various ways to create a relationship with the Riddles. Everyone was eager to find out how a person who mysteriously disappeared five years ago had suddenly returned.For the past five years, the Riddle family and Jared had been claiming that Nicole was away to take care of her health abroad. Since Nicole had never made a public appearance, the public had doubts about Nicole's whereabouts. The news of Nicole's return had gripped public interest. After all, Nicole's return to the capital might change everything.While there were some who were thrilled about the news of Nicole's return, others were worried."Tell me, is this Ms. Riddle really going to be leading the Riddle Corporation?""Of course. Everything was set in stone five years ago by Mr. Riddle Sr. It was unexpected that she got into an accident and disappeared for five years.""Really
"Ms. Riddle, you're finally back. Do you know how much all of us here have been waiting for you to come back?""Yeah! At first, we thought you and Mr. Johnston had almost died during the accident. We were all very worried about you."Nicole watched as people started to swarm around them, moving closer, pushing overwhelming questions of how Nicole was doing and expressing their concerns."Mr. Riddle Sr. has arrived!" one shouted from the crowd.Everyone in the room instantly fell silent. There were rumors going around claiming that Mr. Riddle Sr. was bedridden and had passed on. The news of Mr. Riddle Sr.'s presence had taken everyone aback. Though no one in the room spoke up, deep down they knew the truth.Everyone watched as Mr. Riddle Sr. slowly approached the doors of the banquet hall.'Didn't the rumors say the old man is preparing for his funeral? How can it be? He's here looking fine as ever!'Mr. Riddle Sr. had stopped all his medications, had Nicole do needle techniques
"Besides, she's a prodigy. I think even after a five-year gap, she would've come back stronger."For Nicole to take on the role as the Chairperson for the Riddle Corporation, there would be more people that are in support of it, due to Nicole's sudden reappearance. Those against it fell silent.The situation was that there were a number of people who were rushing to acquire business deals with Nicole and would want to terminate them if Nicole was not present, but they would reconsider if Nicole came back."Congratulations on being the Chairperson, Ms. Riddle." Whether it was sincere or not, everyone said their congratulations.Nicole's eyes scanned the sea of people as they went by her one by one. She responded to each and every one of them politely, silently identifying them based on the information Jared had provided her with which helped her to deal with the current situation swiftly.'As long as there are no emergencies, the banquet should be a breeze.'"Grandpa is clearly bi
'If he had died earlier, we would've been able to get some of the inheritance. But now he's given everything to Nicole. If he dies now, we'd really be left with nothing. There's no way Nicole would give even a piece of inheritance to us. But as long as he's alive, we might be able to have some inheritance left.'Dillon and Damien looked at each other tacitly, as if they mentally understood everything, despite not mentioning the situation verbally.The banquet was attended by many influential individuals. The members of the Riddle family were busy accommodating it. On the other hand, Mr. Riddle Sr. was surrounded by his friends. Some were envious he had such a filial granddaughter which made Mr. Riddle Sr. even more proud.The Riddle family put their problems aside and focused on socializing.Jared and Nicole were much more relaxed compared to the others. Only the most important individuals were allowed to get close to them. Due to Jared's dominating presence, not many people dared
Nicole had no right to ask Jared to be grateful for Lawrence's lifesaving help, but she would never forget it."I understand." Jared held Nicole's hand tight. Feelings were not a bargaining chip for repayment, especially since Nicole did not like Lawrence in that way."Ripple Corporation would have more collaborations with Genesis Group in the future. For either personal or professional gain, I'd have to keep in touch with him," Nicole explained, biting her lower lip while looking at Jared. Nicole wanted to explain this situation clearly, in hopes that Jared would understand.Jared was originally depressed when Lawrence showed up with a bouquet of flowers for Nicole, but now he was relieved. With his eyebrows raised, Jared's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. "I'll reluctantly promise to let him go since you care so much about me."Nicole's face had a shade of red and she gave Jared a slightly vexed glance. "Who cares about you? Stop being so presumptuous.""Am I being presum
Apart from Nicole's brother, her past suitors and Lawrence were all depressed at the scene of Jared and her dancing.After the song ended, cheers and applause erupted in the venue. Spotlights focused on Jared and Nicole. Jared hugged Nicole's waist with a perfect ending pose. Under the spotlight, they were enveloped in a halo of light, making them shine.After finishing their dance, Jared and Nicole stood in position, nodded to the surrounding crowd, and left the dance floor."Nicole, I finally get to see you."Just as they stepped off the dance floor, a crowd surrounded Nicole. Nicole's expression stiffened slightly upon their approach. Besides Preston and Ellar, who she had seen before in the Riddle family manor, Nicole had never seen the others. However, judging by their eager expressions, Nicole could feel they were sincerely happy to see her with no bad intentions. It was just that she did not remember any of them and did not know how to react.Sensing Nicole's uneasiness, Ja