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
Everyone had varied expressions, but due to Mr. Riddle Sr.'s presence, they did not dare show their dissatisfaction."It's almost time. You should all head back." Mr. Riddle Sr. made a final call, preparing to dismiss the crowd."Dad, it's getting late. I'll send you back. Your health is more important," Damien said in concern.Mr. Riddle Sr. rolled his eyes disdainfully. "You don't need to worry about me."Damien was taken aback, and his face turned pale. Knowing that Mr. Riddle Sr. was still disappointed over the previous issue of the will, he did not dare say anything else. He lowered his head, admitting defeat."If that's the case, we'll get going first." Dillion submitted to the circumstances, knowing it was useless to talk further."Alright." Mr. Riddle Sr.'s expression relaxed a little after seeing their departure.Dillion and Karen left with Snow and Raine, and they did not forget to glare at Nicole with resentment before leaving.Nicole snorted coldly. She was too lazy
"I'm fine," Nicole muttered, shaking her head. "I just didn't think there'd be such a big crowd. I've only interacted with some of the collaboration partners. I didn't even have time to greet their plus-ones.""There's no need for that. You'll meet the people you need to meet at the end," Jared answered. It was unnecessary to meet unimportant people."Who knew that I had so many connections in San Joto? But how many of my enemies showed up today?" Nicole slightly narrowed her brows. No one held any hostility toward her today, not any that she could feel.His eyes darkening, Jared said solemnly, "Don't dwell in the past. From now onwards, you're the Chairman of Riddle Corporation. Just do things as you please. There are no permanent friends or enemies."That one enemy who wanted to take Nicole's life was currently not in San Joto. He disappeared from sight after he and Nicole suffered heavy injuries five years ago.As for the case where Nicole got attacked when she came back, Jared
"I get it. But the outside world is full of danger." Gloria murmured, and her eyes turned red.If it were not for the dangers outside, Nicole would have never left home for five years with no news. They did not even know if she was still alive or not.Gloria's words made the atmosphere grow heavy. Nicole's disappearance was truly a pain in the entire family's heart, causing them an indescribable wound."Aunty, we'll take good care of her this time," Jared claimed, his aura determined. Jared would not allow anyone to harm Nicole anymore."Mom, we'll protect her too." The few brothers had the same conviction.Daniel came home at this moment and heard their declaration. He comforted Gloria. "Take it easy. Let's give the kids a chance. Plus, we can't lock Nicole up in the house."The family loved Nicole. It was only natural to give her space and freedom to grow. If Nicole wanted to stay at home, they would support her decision. If Nicole rather went out into the world, they would nev
"You don't have to wear them to work," Jared reassured calmly. Her comfort was the most important to him.Nicole nodded, thinking, 'I avoid wearing them to work. Though I have to wear them during important occasions.'The small talk during the massage made Nicole's uneasiness gradually fade away. She felt Jared's tenderness, as if a feather brushed across her heart, making her heartthrob.Nicole looked at Jared's soft eyes and gentle movement. Even though he was helping her massage to relieve the soreness on her feet, his expression was as if he was taking care of something precious to him.She bit her lip and whispered, "Thank you."Jared looked up and met Nicole's eyes, but she averted her gaze, unable to maintain eye contact. Her face blushed even redder.Her blushed face and shy demeanor made Jared smirk meaningfully. He had a bad plan in mind. "That's all I get? If you really wanted to thank me, shouldn't you be more sincere?""Sincere?" Nicole frowned. She was grateful to
"It's best if the company can operate according to the plan I executed previously. We'd have to rectify anything that could not be previously achieved." Nicole's gaze was extremely cold. The aura surrounding her was heavy and pressuring to others."Chairman." Someone interrupted her and said kindly, "After all, you haven't been around for the past five years. The company's situation isn't the same as it was five years ago. So, I don't think we should follow through with the plan that was made five years ago."Nicole frowned a little. Those words sounded like kind words, but in actual fact, they were doubting her.Five years back, Nicole had already known that she was going to take over the company. Therefore, she had made some plans for the company's development. Over the past few days, she had seen the state of the company and found it to be progressing well. However, there were some parts which were not satisfactory.Nicole also admitted that five years had been a long time and t
One unique thing about Steve was that he loved money. As long as it was something related to earning money, he would be interested in it. It was the right move to turn him into the person in charge of the new contract.Hearing Nicole's words, Sean and Steve widened their eyes in astonishment.Steve almost became speechless. "W-what did you just say? You remember everything?"'It's true, right? She remembers everything, right? Otherwise, why would she have said those words?'Nicole was also caught by surprise. But after a while she shook her head and regretfully said, "No. I don't remember anything. It's just that very moment, this sentence crossed my mind, and I said it out loud."Nicole did not understand what was going on either. However, she was very sure that she did not recall anything.Seeing Nicole's expression, Sean composed himself and comforted her. "Although you don't remember it, the fact that you had such a reaction proves that your brain is active again. You'll be a
"Get the men to continue watching." Jared gave his order with narrowed eyes."Noted." After Max nodded, he left the office.Jared's eyes darkened a little. The reason he was cautious about Lawrence was not just because he liked Nicole. It was also because he had an inexplicable sixth sense toward Lawrence. He always felt that Lawrence was hiding a secret and it was about Nicole.The sun has set, and night has fallen.Nicole walked out of the Riddle Corporation and saw Jared's car parked by the roadside waiting. The corners of her mouth slightly lifted as she walked over slowly.But before she could reach Jared's car, two more cars drove over and stopped beside her.She could tell that those were Samuel and Spencer's cars. She was surprised to see them there. But after the cars came to a halt, two girls got out and ran toward Nicole."Nicole, did you really come back?""Why didn't you contact us? We only found out after we saw the news!"The two girls who suddenly appeared hugg
"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