"That person took the mission and backed out later on. There are only two possibilities. First, he found out that he could not complete the mission. Either that, or he was testing us to get an idea of what our identities are," Nicole explained to Nolan.Nolan blinked his big eyes twice, seemingly having understood what she was saying. "So, that means he might not have a clue about any of the crests, but he wanted to find out who was interested in searching for them?"Nicole stroked Nolan's hair in relief. "Let's not rule out this possibility,"If anything, Nicole felt this was the most likely reason as to why that individual had backed out."That was close," Nolan sighed as he almost got Nicole in trouble,"In the future, don't do anything risky at random. All you need to care about now is your ranking. As you hone your abilities, your ranking will naturally get higher," Nicole said with a hint of gentleness in her eyes.At the end of the day, Nicole wanted to protect Nolan, and
The new day seemed to be full of hope. After breakfast, everyone was ready to start their busy day."Hi, Nicole. I'm here to pick Nolan and Lana up," Tia arrived, ready to take Nolan and Lana to kindergarten."Hi, Aunt Tia," Nolan and Lana grabbed their school bags, greeted Tia, and left the house with her."Go on. Be good, alright?" Nicole reminded them.Then, Nolan and Lana waved their hands at Nicole. "Bye-bye, Mommy.""Nicole, we'll leave first," Tia walked away with the twins in tow. Just as she turned around, she almost bumped into someone's arm, and in shock, she abruptly stopped in her tracks.Recognizing the person, Tia whispered, "Mr. Stanley. Is there something up?""I was just about to leave. Let's go together," Stanley said, turned around, and walked away.Tia stared at his figure skeptically. She was puzzled as Stanley seemed to be busy nowadays. He was always the one who left earliest and came back the latest, which was unlike his usual routine."Let's go, Aunt
"This kid," Nicole shook her head helplessly. "Don't bother with him. I'll take him and Lana out when I have the time,""Hey, it's fine. I like bringing them out," Lawrence said with a beam.Nicole changed the topic, not wanting to trouble Lawrence too much. Times were different from when they were on Crescent Island. In addition, Lawrence had just come to San Joto too, and thus, he must be busy with other issues."Seeing that you've come all the way to meet me personally, is there something else?" Nicole asked softly.Lawrence sighed without another mention about bringing the kids out on the weekend. "Nothing important. I just wanted to know if there is any progress with the electronic badge you've once helped me decipher?"Nicole shook her head, feeling somewhat shameful. "I'm sorry. Not yet.""No, it's alright. I was just asking anyways," Lawrence comforted Nicole as he noticed her downcast eyes."I'm still trying. I will let you know when there is progress," Nicole said, her
June was one of those among the audience watching Samuel's game. The accident had apparently happened in a flash, prompting the doctor on duty to instantly carry Samuel off the playing field. June had not met or spoken to Samuel after they had all turned up."It seems like all we could do is wait," Nicole bit her lips.By the looks of it, Samuel seemed to have sustained a serious injury, or else they would have treated it on the spot, instead of sending him to the hospital."I wonder how long it would take. I just want to know how...how badly injured he is." June stammered, looking as though she would rush into the emergency room to check on him in a heartbeat.Lulu held June back and gently comforted her. "Calm down. Maybe he'll be out in a second.""Let's go over and sit down," Nicole took them to the row of seats.If Samuel's injury was indeed serious, she feared there would be a long wait. Still, all they could do was wait patiently."Yes, let's go over there and take a seat
"What's up with you really?" Stanley asked."I had a collision during the game. The injury was accidental," Samuel explained, giving them a general description of everything that had occurred during the game.Hearing that, everyone comforted him. "Rest well.""What other choice do I have?" Samuel grimaced, for he could not move even if he wanted to now."Mom and Dad have no idea yet. Since you're not seriously hurt, we'll go back and inform them about your injury," Stanley stated.The siblings knew about Samuel's situation, but since the medical examination results were not out yet, they had all decided to hide his injury from Gloria and Daniel.But now that they had discovered that it was not as big a deal, they had to inform their parents. Samuel was after all going to be hospitalized for a while, and the family had the right to know about it."Oh, yeah. Tell Mom and Dad not to worry about me. I just need some rest," Samuel replied, knowing it was impossible to hide the news f
"Spencer, Stanley and I will head back first." Nicole readily agreed.After all, Spencer still had to be the man for his woman, and Nicole was in no position to ruin their fun at all."I'll be going home soon too," Spencer responded calmly.After all, a misfortune had befallen Samuel today. Both Sean and Steve had returned home as well, so he had to go home after seeing Lulu off."I can actually go home on my own," Lulu contested.Understanding the current situation, Lulu felt that there was no need to trouble Spencer with keeping her company. She could go home by herself.However, by then, Spencer had already taken her hand and said, "C'mon, I'll take you home first."He could simply not allow her to go home on her own. Besides, the situation was stable now, so there was no need to rush.Hearing that, Lulu bit her lip and followed Spencer with no further issue, and after they had left the hospital, the two cars went in separate directions.Soon, Nicole and Stanley returned to
"He'll be fine after a sufficient period of rest," Nicole responded."Well, since Jared is back, let's have dinner," Daniel said once he saw that everyone was present."Yeah, let's eat," Gloria agreed.Just as they had taken their seats, Spencer entered the room. Seeing that dinner had begun, he sat down in the dining room and joined everyone for the meal."How is Lulu?" Gloria asked with concern, knowing that Spencer had just sent Lulu home."She's fine, Mom. Don't worry," Spencer replied.Gloria nodded. "Well, Lulu and June are both good girls. You and Samuel must cherish them.""Rest assured, Mom, we will." Spencer's eyes flashed with seriousness as he had really been dedicating a great deal of effort to their relationship.Recently, the desire to settle down and get married had been growing in him. He had also been longing for a married life."Okay." Gloria was about to remind Spencer to start eating when his phone suddenly rang.Spencer glanced at the number and answered
Sean and Steve left soon after and returned to their own homes, while the others went upstairs to their rooms, one after another.Meanwhile, Spencer had arrived at the hotel and there, he saw Icyln crying and trembling in a corner, her face drenched in tears. The sight left him in shock."Icyln, what happened?" Spencer quickly approached Icyln and asked her.Upon hearing Spencer's voice, Icyln looked up, and when she confirmed that it was indeed Spencer, she abruptly got up and threw herself into his arms."Ahhhhhh, why did you come so late, Spencer? I was so scared!" Icyln wailed."What happened? Please tell me slowly." Spencer attempted to push Icyln away, but she held onto him even tighter."Hurry up, it's right here.""Hey, isn't that Spencer, the violinist?""What's going on between him and Icyln?""Don't just stand there. Quick, take some photos. This is definitely going to make for some spicy news."The clicking of camera shutters emanated as the reporters snapped phot
"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