"Alright, let's meet there after work," Nicole said."Sounds good. I'll tell Spencer he doesn't have to pick me up," Lulu replied. She then sent Spencer a quick message.Similarly, Nicole informed Jared she would be having pizza with June and Lulu after work and suggested he go home first."Alright, I need to get going. See you later," Lulu said.As she stood up and left Nicole's office, Nicole went back to her work.When it was time to leave, Nicole and Lulu left DillCorp, caught a cab, and headed to the Royal Creek Institute."You know, the three of us haven't hung out there in about five years," Lulu said. "After you went missing, Nicole, it was just June and me visiting from time to time.""It's hard to believe it's been five years." Nicole sighed. 'So much has changed, but at least we're still best friends.'When they arrived at the restaurant, June was already there, motioning for them to join her. "Come sit here!""You're early," Lulu said, guiding Nicole to sit down.
"It's been five years, and you two haven't changed," Nicole said, smiling at the pair. "Even when you both become part of the family, I bet you'll still tease each other."Lulu started to say, "We're used to it. We've always been..." She paused, her eyes widening. "Nicole, do you remember now?""Just some stuff from school," Nicole said with a casual smile. Though she still struggled with gaps in her memory, recalling her school days was a hopeful sign."That's great!" June and Lulu exclaimed. Memories from school were a start, and they were hopeful more would return."Let's toast to Nicole's memory of school days!" June exclaimed, preparing the drinks. As the night went on, they chatted, ate, and felt the buzz from the drinks."One more round!" June declared, refilling her friends' glasses. But before they could even sip, someone swiftly took their glasses away.June reached out in the direction her glass had vanished, but caught nothing. "Hey! Give it back!" she exclaimed."Yo
Nicole snuggled close to Jared, murmuring, "When people are happy, they drink more. And guess what? I'm starting to remember stuff from school."Jared looked at her. Lately, she had been remembering a lot from her childhood and her time at Royal Creek Institute. "What about that cafe?" Jared asked her softly, remembering it was from her school days."Cafe?" Nicole frowned and then shook her head. "I don't remember."Jared smiled affectionately at her. "Let's go home.""Mhm, home," Nicole replied, nestling her head on Jared's shoulder. She smiled in contentment.They soon returned to the Riddle family manor. Though everyone had gone to bed, the lights in the living room remained on, likely for those not yet home. As Jared carried Nicole inside, the butler, still up, was waiting for them."Mr. Johnston," the butler began, his gaze lingering on Nicole who seemed a bit unsteady. "Should I prepare something to help her sober up?""No need," Jared responded quickly. "She's a little ti
Jared's gaze darkened, and his kiss became firmer and more aggressive.Meanwhile, June was all worn out after Samuel sent her back to her apartment.While pouring a glass of water, Samuel turned his head to find June already collapsed on the carpet, desperately crawling to get on the couch. She failed multiple times, always sliding back down to the ground.Putting the glass, Samuel went to June's side and helped her get onto the sofa.June then made a gagging noise. Her face turned an ugly shade and her cheeks puffed up."Hold up!" Samuel cried. He rushed to grab the trash can, but it was already too late.With a retching sound, June threw up. Her puke was everywhere—on the carpet, the couch, her clothes, and even on Samuel.Looking at the mess around him, Samuel fumed. "June, I swear I'll never let you drink again."Frustration aside, Samuel had no choice but to start cleaning up the mess.The next day, the sun shone brightly. Nicole arrived at the company, looking like she u
"I'm meeting with a client nearby, around noon. The meeting should be quick. How about having lunch together?" Lawrence suggested, not noticing Nicole's change in demeanor.Nicole frowned and rejected, "I'm afraid not today. I have things to take care of. Maybe next time."Disappointed, Lawrence said, "Alright then, I'll ask you out another day.""Sure thing," Nicole agreed with a faint smile."Speaking of which, it's been a while since I last saw Nolan and Lana. Why don't we take them out for a day when they're free?" Lawrence tried.Nicole bit her lip and hesitated to refuse directly. So she replied, "I'll check with them first.""Fine by me. Let me know when you've set a date." Lawrence smiled, thinking Nicole was accepting his invitation."Yeah." Nicole faked a smile and remained silent. Her current feelings toward Lawrence were complicated, and she was unsure of how to approach Lawrence. She could only wait for the final results of the investigation. She did not even know w
"Mr. Royce, should we let Hanwick leave?" Ian asked. After all, it was fake. Ian was afraid people might question if Hanwick continued to stay."Not now. We might still need him." Lawrence's gaze darkened. Nicole had yet to suspect anything, so he felt like keeping Hanwick around was still necessary."Yes, sir." Ian did not dare to interfere with Lawrence's decision."Tell Hanwick to lay low these days. I can't protect him if his identity is exposed." Determination flashed in Lawrence's eyes. If Hanwick's identity raised suspicions, Lawrence could not guarantee his safety as he had to protect himself."Got it," Ian replied.Lawrence's sight focused outside the car window, his deep gaze revealing nothing about his thoughts as the car slowly left DillCorp.The scorching afternoon sunlight made everyone feel drowsy.After lunch, Nicole leaned against the sofa resting. She was half asleep, unable to distinguish her dream and reality. There was a string of letters that kept appearing
Leaning against her chair, Nicole's expression was as cold as ice. She thought of investigating the matter more carefully. After getting someone on it, Nicole sighed and continued working.Dusk was approaching, and the people off work were all rushing back home.Nicole and Jared brought the kids back to the Riddle family manor."Why, isn't this lively?" Dexter's family was in the living room."Hi, Dexter. Hey, Emma," Nicole greeted them and sat on the couch."Hey, you're back!" the couple responded. When they saw the kids, they smiled. "This must be Nolan and Lana."The kids looked at Nicole in confusion, so Nicole introduced them/ "This is your Grandpa Dexter and Grandma Emma."After greeting them politely, the kids stared at Emery and Ellar."This is Uncle Emery and Uncle Ellar," Nicole introduced."Hi, Uncles," Nolan and Lana sweetly called out.Emma smiled, filled with envy. "Oh my, you two are so adorable!"She then took out the gifts she had prepared for them. "Here yo
"Let's get it done now. Samuel and Spencer aren't back yet. We'll be done by the time they're back, and we'll have dinner together," Daniel proposed."Sure, I'll do the writing," Dexter volunteered.Watching the others get busy, Ellar turned to Nicole and asked, "Hey, Nicole. The wedding day is getting close. When are you announcing Nolan and Lana's identity?""We're not preparing to announce it in advance. We'll wait till the wedding banquet," Nicole answered while exchanging glances with Jared.Nicole had already discussed the matter with Jared. They planned to announce the kid's identity in front of the guests, but not the public. Those attending the wedding were all important friends, families, and business partners. As for the others, they felt it was not necessary to inform them.Ellar pondered for a moment before agreeing, "You're right. Those not within the list don't really need to know anyways."Nolan and Lana were still young, and keeping them hidden from the public wa