Nolan's remark left Lana feeling even more puzzled. "How am I stupid?""Next time, don't ask questions that you shouldn't ask." Nolan, looking like a little adult, reprimanded Lana. "Come on."After that, Nolan pulled Lana along and walked off.However, Lana was still grumbling, "What did I say wrong?"Nicole pursed her lips as she watched her kids, and she then proceeded to warn Jared through gritted teeth, "You're not allowed to kiss me out of the blue anymore, especially when Nolan and Lana might see us."After a moment of thought, Jared said, "As a matter of fact, I actually think it's because we are not intimate enough. That's why you're always so shy. So, from now on, I'll kiss you once every day, and you'll gradually stop blushing.""Why, you..." Nicole glared at Jared. 'So it's my fault now?'Gnashing her teeth, Nicole sighed. "You wish."After saying that, Nicole left Jared to stand there on his own and went downstairs for breakfast.Jared chuckled softly, after which
Nicole immediately furrowed her brows. 'Ellison-and-Riddle? What kind of stupid name is that?'"Ms. Riddle, this... sounds terrible," Patricia whispered to Nicole.No matter how they thought about it, they did not anticipate that Harvey would have such a twisted sense of humor. 'Why did he name it like that? Does he have a screw loose? Is he off his rocker?'"Hello, everyone, I am Nicole Riddle," Nicole interrupted, not wanting to hear what was coming next.The scene instantly fell silent, and Nicole's gaze swept over the faces of the crowd, her eyes frosty and piercing.Then, she loudly announced, "Mr. Ellison probably made a mistake. Although this factory is a joint venture, its name will not be changed."She did not have the energy to think and come up with a name for the time being, so she decided that it would be better for her to keep the original one."The name's not changing?""But that's not what Mr. Ellison said."The crowd broke out in discussion, but Nicole ignored
"It's almost noon. Let's have lunch together before you go," Harvey stopped Nicole as she was about to leave.Indifferent to his advances, Nicole shot Harvey a glance and said, "I'm good. Please help yourself.""You need to eat too," Harvey said, not disappointed by the rejection as he continued to persuade Nicole.However, Nicole remained unmoved. She did not want to eat with him, fearing that the very sight of his face might cause her to experience indigestion."I have already made an appointment with your grandfather. If you're interested, you can join us," Nicole said before brushing past Harvey and hurrying off.Harvey grimaced as Nicole disappeared from sight. Only Nicole would come up with such an excuse to avoid having lunch with him. It seemed that she had made her mind up on giving him a glaring "no."Still, Nicole had made her way to Thomas Ellison's place after leaving."Are you here to show off to me?" Thomas looked at Nicole, amused."Just here for a meal with you
"He's put in so much effort, so he's obviously going to do his worst," Nicole snorted.She knew that Harvey had put on such a grand display to make things difficult for her. A simple ribbon-cutting ceremony was not all that he wanted."Are we just going to let things unfold like this?" Patricia asked in a low voice."Since he wants to publicize it, let him go ahead. Free advertising shouldn't be wasted." Nicole's eyes darkened. "Now that we're already working together, let's commence with the next stage of our plan.""Of course," Patricia eagerly agreed.She figured that Nicole had her own reasons for working together with Harvey. If anything, Nicole would never let Harvey keep that smirk on his face. All the measures taken would be temporary.Soon after, they returned to the headquarters of the Riddle Corporation, and during lunch break, Nicole leaned back against her couch in her office, lost in thought.The setting sun was already beginning to set when Nicole and Jared return
"That's good." Gloria issued a sigh of relief. "I can't believe they're capable of doing such things. It seems like they've lost their minds. You've got to be more careful in the future.""Don't worry, Mom," Nicole assured her. "I know."She did not want Gloria to worry about her. Deep down, however, she knew that Chloe would not stop there since she had gone to such lengths to defraud them. Though Miley had taken the blame for her this time, there was no telling what would come next. As such, Nicole would find a way to corner Chloe, to make her face the punishment she rightfully deserved.And now that Everett was still abroad, the only person who might have remained in contact with him was Chloe. If they arrested Chloe now, they might sever the only lead they had to him.Nicole's eyes darkened when she thought about Everett. Ever since Lawrence had rescued a fleeing Everett from San Joto, he had not shown up at all. This led her to wonder what sort of deal the two of them had made
"Did he mention anything else?" Nicole squinted her eyes, thinking that Lawrence would not usually be so nosy.Nolan shook his head and replied, "No, he only asked if you're back. Then, he asked about what Lana and I have been up to recently.""That's all?" Nicole raised a brow, doubtful. 'So he was genuinely missing the kids?'"Oh, Godpa also asked if you've been busy recently." Lana asked innocently.To that, Nolan added, "Yeah, I said you're not that busy. All you've got going for you is work.""Okay." Nicole said, and rested the case.She was worried that the kids might get suspicious if she prodded with more questions, so she changed the topic of conversation at once. "Is Leo still online?""Ye-" Nolan looked at the screen.Then, he frowned and said, "Now he's not."He was online just a few seconds ago, so it was strange that he logged off all of a sudden.Nicole stood beside the computer and stared at Lawrence's message to Nolan. [I have some urgent matters I need to ta
"It is exactly because of this very concern that he needs to use Nolan to achieve what he wants." Jared held Nicole's hands gently. "At the end of the day, none of us have seen the Water Crest before. No one knows what it looks like either. The only way he could crack it and not catch your attention is by enlisting Nolan's help."If Lawrence approached Nicole directly, the outcome would be predictable; Nicole would be able to tell that the object in question was the Water Crest. In addition to that, Lawrence would have to forego his right to own the Water Crest, hence he would not risk it.After hearing Jared's explanation, Nicole nodded. "You're right.""I'll get Max to verify it." Jared's eyes became frosty.If that was indeed the truth, Jared would never allow Lawrence within an inch of the Water Crest. For someone as evil as Lawrence to own the Water Crest would spell unimaginable disaster for everyone else.As Jared and Nicole were discussing the issue, they did not realize t
Stanley paused for a moment before replying, "Alright.""Please let me know if there are any updates," Nicole requested, and brought the kids into the car.Knowing that Stanley was going out to look for Tia, Nolan and Lana did not bother to follow him. Instead, they got into the car and went to school right away.Meanwhile, Stanley had just entered the house in the backyard, which was unusually quiet."Tia?" Stanley called out to her."Mr. Riddle, is that you?" Tia asked, her voice hoarse.Stanley could already tell that she was weak, and upon hearing Tia's voice emanating from the room, he rushed over.As soon as he opened the door, he saw Tia lying in bed, looking ill, causing him to frown and ask, "What happened?""I think I'm down with a co...."Before Tia could finish her sentence, she began to cough.Seeing that Tia was in such a terrible condition, Stanley walked over and placed his hand on Tia's forehead. She was indeed having a bad fever."Your body is very warm. I'
"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