"If you're smart enough, you better scram. Do yourself a favor, and keep your mouth shut next time."After Lawrence had spoken, he turned away, not looking at Everett anymore. Then, he took his phone out.In response, Everett gulped, gritted his teeth, and skedaddled.Lawrence snorted after Everett had hightailed it out of his office. If Everett was not useful to him, he would not have kept him around.Everett returned to his room, and for the next few minutes, he became paranoid. There, he began to wonder if he had bitten off more than he could chew by associating with the likes of Lawrence, who was far more terrifying than he had imagined.Everett had been made to look like a complete fool in front of Lawrence. He had thought he had the upper hand, but at the end of the day, he was nothing.Filled with fear and dismay, Everett gritted his teeth angrily. 'Why can't I get anything done?'Meanwhile, Lawrence was in deep thought for a while before he decided to call Ian on the pho
"You're welcome."The family then broke out laughing, as they could not help but to be amused by the kids' cuteness.After breakfast, everyone gathered in the living room. Nolan and Lana, in particular, were overjoyed when they received their gifts.June and Lulu then joined in and began giving the gifts to everyone there, except for a few of those who were not present."Nicole, are you going to the office now?" Lulu asked Nicole."Yeah, after I send Nolan and Lana to school, I'll head over," Nicole replied.Lulu nodded. "Alright, I'll start moving with Spencer now. See you at the office.""Sure. See you later!" Nicole said, and watched as the couple exited the house.Then, she turned to Gloria and Daniel. "Mom, Dad, we'll be heading out as well.""Go ahead." Gloria and Daniel replied and smiled."Bye, Grandma and Grandpa," Nolan and Lana said, and left with Nicole and Jared.Gloria and Daniel's grins became even wider as they observed the antics of their little grandchildre
Cherry could not allow Tia to pass this opportunity up. After all, it was the perfect chance for them. It was something that must not be allowed to go to waste.Tia was blushing as she looked down and replied, "D-don't say that. I just did the bare minimum."Initially, she was just doing what she thought she was supposed to do: taking care of a person who had been hospitalized. However, Cherry's words had made very shy as her cheeks began to flush."Oh, sure, sure. It's just the bare minimum." Cherry smiled, while Tia was too embarrassed to look her in the eye.After watching Cherry's antics for a while longer, Stanley could not help but interrupt her. "Don't you have any work to take care of?""Of course I do. What are you talking about? Do I look as though I've got nothing better to do?" Cherry rolled her eyes.'Is it not obvious enough that I'm trying to be his wingwoman?' she thought.Stanley understood what Cherry was trying to do, but his relationship with Tia was not as s
"I'm planning to leave the country. I must obviously prepare my family for what's to come. When the time comes for me to leave, they would have no choice but to accept it," she said.Cherry then raised her brows in smug satisfaction as if to say, 'What do you think? It's a pretty clever trick, huh?'Stanley finally understood that Cherry was trying to buy herself more time. By putting on a show with Stanley, Cherry's family would let down their guard. And when Cherry had made the necessary arrangements, she would leave the country at once. When that happened, her family would be left with no other option but to bite the bullet.After giving it some thought, Stanley agreed, "Alright, deal."Stanley had always thought that Tia had feelings for someone else, so he had chosen to stay by her side without saying a word. But at this very instant, he felt that he should give himself a fighting chance and seize the opportunity to be with her. No matter what the result was, he was certain th
"Let's wait for another opportunity. It's impossible now since our hands are tied. I'll let you go on a vacation some other time," Nicole said.There were far too many things around the office that required Nicole's decision and attention, and among them was the mess that Chloe had left for them to deal with.Patricia had also been swamped with work. For the past week, she had been dealing with everything at Riddle Corporation on her own. Even with Lulu's return, there would be very little she could do to lessen the workload."I know I may not be of much help to you, but I know a thing or two that may be able to help you in dealing with Harvey," Lulu informed with a serious look on her face.After all, Lulu had thought of handling all ongoing projects between Riddle Corporation and Ellison Group before. 'Perhaps I'll be able to help her out a little.'"Sounds good. I'll leave Harvey to you, then" Nicole said.She believed that Lulu would be able to deal with Harvey alone as he wa
Patricia immediately understood that what Nicole had said was true. "Alright. I will follow you closely until this is over."Patricia promised herself that there was no room for any errors when it came to Nicole's safety and protection."Okay, you can go now," Nicole said."Yes, Ms. Riddle," Patricia replied as she nodded and left the office.Nicole leaned back against her seat as her gaze darkened. 'I will not let her get away with this so easily.'The afternoon sun shone high and bright, and before long, Nicole and Lulu returned to the office from their lunch break."Nicole," a familiar voice sounded from behind.Nicole halted in her tracks and whirled around to discover that the source of the voice that had called out for her was none other than Lawrence himself."When did you return?" Nicole asked with a look of surprise on her face."I just landed a while ago and thought of paying you a visit,' Lawrence replied as he handed two boxes over to Nicole. "Here you go. Some sou
It was then that Nicole and Lawrence knew that this might be the last time the two of them could sit together and converse with one another.Deciding to mention the days when they were on Crescent Island together before returning to San Joto, Lawrence looked up at Nicole and said, "Regarding the Fire Crest, I owe you a sincere apology."Lawrence had always wondered what would have happened if he had told her the truth of the object he wanted her to acquire. 'Would things have turned out differently than they are now?'Lawrence had deep regrets in his heart, filled with 'what if's' as he knew that the Fire Crest was the chief reason as to why they had fallen out of favor with one another."It doesn't matter really. To be fair, I don't think you are in the wrong." Nicole smiled.Nicole, on the other hand, thought it was normal. Lawrence's reason for keeping the truth of the Fire Crest from her was not entirely unexpected, given the fact that he knew she was its bearer.Lawrence the
Nicole looked up at Lulu before flashing her a wicked smirk. She did not want Lulu to be concerned about the Water Crest, let alone know that Lawrence was searching for it."It's nothing. Don't worry about it. By the way, there is something you should know. The more silent Harvey is, the more things he has up his sleeve. You have to be alert at all times," Nicole reminded."Yes! I will keep my eyes glued onto him," Lulu said.Lulu knew that Nicole had a million other things to deal with and among them, Harvey was nothing but a nuisance. She did not want Nicole to waste her time dealing with him and putting up with his crap.Nicole smiled as she stood up and walked to her desk, and that was when Lulu knew that it was her cue to leave Nicole's office.Meanwhile, Lawrence had just gotten into his car after walking out of the headquarters of Riddle Corporation."Mr. Royce, how are things with Nicole? Can she be of any help to you?" Ian asked.Lawrence shook his head. "She won't be a
"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