"Oh, you're at home," Gloria was surprised when she saw Jared and Nicole walking down the flight of stairs with the kids.She waved to the kids and said, "Come to Grandma!""Grandma!" Nolan and Lana responded, and sprinted toward Gloria.Nicole and Jared soon caught up and sat down on the couch next to Gloria. "Dad? Mom? Did you guys visit Grandpa?""Yes, we just came back from his place. Your grandfather wanted to have dinner with us, but we've declined his invitation. We wanted to come back and have dinner with you," Daniel explained."Is Grandpa alright?" Nicole asked with concern."He's fine. But it's taking quite some time for him to let go of things," Daniel sighed.This was inevitable. Fortunately for them, Benjamin's current condition was relatively stable, which was a relief to them."It will get better with time," Nicole reassured, knowing her parents were worried for Benjamin.Fortunately, the old man had done his best to remain composed and rational. Although he wa
"What's she up to?" Nicole frowned. 'Is Cherry using Stanley as a shield?'"It's just a deal between us. She's getting her visa. But there are some problems causing the delay," Stanley admitted, relieved after sharing his dirt with Nicole.Nodding, Nicole instantly understood Cherry's plan, as well as Stanley's. "You're using her to stop the inflow of dates Mom's setting up for you?""You can say that, but you're not entirely correct," Stanley replied."What do you mean by not entirely?" Nicole asked, becoming even more confused.It was obvious that Cherry was using Stanley as a smokescreen to lull her family into a false sense of security until her visa was approved. After that, she would leave the country with her real boyfriend.However, Nicole could still not figure out Stanley's motive in this deal. Once Cherry had left, his family would still pressure him into getting married. This much would be true."She's helping me," Stanley murmured. "It's between Tia and I.""You an
Nicole then wondered, 'I guess only Stanley with his thick skull would think Tia has feelings for someone. How could he not notice that Tia has no men around her?'"What are you thinking about?" Jared's voice blared out from behind her.Looking up, Nicole asked, "Are the kids asleep?""Yeah," Jared replied, and sat down next to Nicole.He held her hand, and went on to ask, "You look like you've got something on your mind. What's going on?""Ugh." Nicole sighed, and she proceeded to tell Jared about Stanley and Cherry's situation.After hearing her out, he calmly replied, "They didn't look like a couple at all.""How did you notice?" Nicole frowned, puzzled that the situation had gone unnoticed by her."They look like friends, or even siblings. Compare them to Samuel and Spencer. You'll see what I'm talking about," Jared explained, shrugging his shoulders.And indeed, he knew full well how couples interacted in contrast with how siblings and friends did.After thinking about i
If Harvey was not so obsessed with ruining Nicole's life and flexing, they would not have gotten a chance to make a move."But it's best for you to be more careful. Harvey is still capable of pulling tricks." Nicole advised."Don't worry. I got it." Lulu replied solemnly."Yeah." Nicole nodded.She would always have faith in Lulu, but she figured that she should still offer her some advice.After a slight pause, Lulu lowered her voice, "Oh right, there's another thing. Harvey seems to be in contact with Thomas recently. I'm not sure what he is up to now again.""Thomas?" Nicole frowned.Thomas had been undergoing treatment abroad, and he seemed to be doing well, so it was strange that Harvey would contact him out of the blue."That's right. Do you think he's planning something? I mean, he had never seemed to care about Thomas in the past." Lulu said."It's possible." Nicole agreed.Indeed, Harvey's sudden attention for Thomas had made it obvious that he had a motive.The onl
Harvey was brimming with happiness as he whispered to Lewis, "You may start preparing...""Understood," Lewis whirled around and walked out of the office.Harvey then grinned as if he was anticipating something grand and sinister.On the other end, Thomas was staring at his phone with a heavy heart.He did turn down Harvey's suggestion, but for some reason, he was still riddled with feelings of unease. Based on his understanding of his grandson, Harvey was not the kind who would give up until he had gotten what he wanted. Therefore, Thomas was genuinely worried about him.Previously, he had gone toe-to-toe with Jared over Nicole, which ended up with Harvey losing.In a way, Nicole's disappearance was a blessing in disguise in that it had gotten Harvey to quit messing with the Riddles. Had that not been the case, there would be no telling if Ellison Group would still exist today. At this point, Thomas could not help but wonder what had given Harvey the balls and the confidence to
"I promise I won't keep you for too long. I just thought that I could ask to meet you since it's lunch hour. If you can't make it, we'll just meet some other time." Cindy quickly added, as she must have noticed Nicole's hesitation.Hearing this, Nicole smiled. "Now that you've put it like this, it wouldn't be right for me to decline.""Well, shall we meet at Regina Diner?" Cindy asked.She was excited that Nicole had agreed to meet up with her."Alright, see you later." Nicole hung up.As Nicole looked up, she suddenly saw Lulu, at whom she rolled her eyes. "When did you come in?""I knocked but you did not respond. Then, I opened the door and saw you talking on the phone, so I came in. Anyway, who's that?" Lulu asked, curious about the invitation Nicole seemed to have received."Martin's friend. She wants to meet me." Nicole replied."His friend? Why does she want to meet you?" Lulu asked in surprise.In response, Nicole shook her head. "I'm not sure. I'll find out when I'm t
After returning the smile, Nicole asked, "So, you invited me here to ask me about something?""Yeah. I actually would like to learn from you," Cindy's cheeks flushed as she coyly said."Learn from me?" Nicole frowned. 'What does Cindy even want to learn?'Lulu was also stunned. She repeatedly blinked at Nicole, trying to understand what Cindy was talking about.Nicole shook her head as she did not know what Cindy was really after.Cindy then continued, "Martin likes you very much, so I would like to know what I can do to touch his heart."She was hoping that Nicole would be able to impart some tips and tricks. That way, Martin would fall for her.Nicole furrowed her brows upon hearing that. 'How do I even teach someone something like this? I didn't manipulate Martin into falling in love with me.'Lulu's jaw was left hanging, after which she frowned and curtly asked, "What are you trying to say? Are you implying that Nicole seduced Martin into liking her?"Cindy's face turned p
"Hey. Feel free to call us when we aren't busy." Lulu smiled.Although it was their first time meeting each other, Lulu could instantly vibe with Cindy as if they were old friends who had met after a long time apart."Anytime." Nicole agreed with a friendly smile."Thank you!" Cindy said.She was touched by their gesture of kindness, as she finally had people in San Joto whom she could call friends. Now, she would not have to feel the sting of loneliness anymore."Alright, you should head back," Lulu reminded Cindy, seeing that lunch time was over.Everyone got into their rides, bade their goodbyes, and went their merry way.By the time Nicole and Lulu returned to the headquarters of Riddle Corporation, they already had a pile of documents waiting for them."I still have a few documents to go through, so I'll be returning to my office now," Lulu informed after they had exited the elevator.Then, she made a beeline for her office, while Nicole sauntered back to hers. They just