"Good idea, we should try it," Ryder said, impressed and in agreement with Nicole's proposal.After deciding on their next steps, the team got busy implementing their plan."Done!" they exclaimed, as the clock neared noon.With a collective cheer, they finally completed the program on Nicole's computer."It's perfect timing. You can take the program with you, and our mission here is accomplished," Preston said with a sigh of relief. He had been under a lot of pressure these past few days, worried about affecting Nicole's work."Thank you all," Nicole expressed her gratitude. "Since it's lunchtime, let's eat together.""Sounds good, I'm starving after working all morning," Preston said, rubbing his stomach."Let's go then," Ryder and Gary agreed.Nicole smiled, "I'm paying, as a thank you for your help.""No need for that," Gary laughed. "We're friends, aren't we? It would be odd to be so formal.""Exactly, because you're friends, I want to treat you. How else will I have the
"We always tell the truth," Gary said earnestly.Nicole, smiling, complimented the group, "You've all improved a lot since five years ago."Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and before they knew it, lunch was over.As Nicole and Jared prepared to leave, Gary said, "Let's catch up again soon. I'm looking forward to your good news."Nicole nodded, understanding he was referring to the Water Crest program. "Definitely," she replied.After Nicole and Jared drove off, Preston also left, leaving Gary reflecting on how nice it was to work with Nicole again and how much things had changed for the better over the past five years.Back in the car, Nicole touched her laptop bag and said to Jared, "It looks like we'll have results soon."Jared, holding her hand gently, agreed, "Yes, very soon."Nicole smiled at him, "After all this time, some things are finally coming to an end.""Have you thought about how you'll accept the outcome?" Jared asked softly.Nicole nodded, "I've though
Nicole agreed, "That's a good idea. But I'm a bit worried about Uncle Dillon and Karen; they might say something that would upset Grandpa."In truth, she wasn't too concerned about Dillon, but Karen worried her."I understand. Don't worry," Daniel assured her.If Dillon or Karen said something too harsh, it could be overwhelming for Benjamin.After all, Damien was Benjamin's son. Even if he was disappointed with Damien, seeing Damien in such a state would surely be distressing.After breakfast, everyone departed from home.On the road, Nicole gazed at the bustling streets, a hint of contemplation reflecting in her eyes.Jared gently held her hand, speaking softly, "Everything will be alright.""Mm," Nicole nodded. She wasn't really worried, just suddenly feeling a bit overwhelmed.The police car, taking Damien to court, was already leaving the police station, escorted by other police vehicles in the front and back.Following their planned route, everything was going smoothly
"Well, it's not like you're dead yet," one of the men shrugged indifferently.Damien seethed with anger. "Don't you want to get information from me anymore?""Hmph, when our boss arrives, you won't have a say in what you want to say or not," the man replied fiercely.Damien couldn't help but feel frustrated. At this point, he didn't have much leverage, so he had to ensure his own interests were secured. Otherwise, if they burned bridges, he'd be the one left in a tough spot."Boss!"As he was contemplating, Damien heard several people calling out, prompting him to look up.Frowning at the man approaching, Damien asked, "Are you Scorpio?""Speak," Scorpio responded tersely, not saying much else.Damien knew Scorpio wanted him to divulge information about Water Crest, but he wasn't foolish enough to reveal anything at this point.Struggling to stand up, Damien negotiated, "This place isn't secure. You have to take me to a safe location before I can tell you anything.""Actually
After departing from the scene, Seth and his group updated Max about the outcome.Max then relayed the information to Jared. "Mr. Johnston, everything went as planned. We let Scorpio go," Max reported over the phone.Jared, maintaining his usual calm demeanor, hummed in response.Max continued, "We collaborated with the police to apprehend some of Scorpio's men. Damien is back in custody and will face trial today."Pleased with the outcome, Jared commended, "Good job.""It all unfolded just as you predicted," Max sighed.From the beginning, Mr. Johnston had anticipated Scorpio's actions. After strategizing with law enforcement responsible for the case, they set up the trap, and indeed, Scorpio took the bait."Mr. Johnston, Scorpio might make other moves now," Max speculated.Given today's events, once Scorpio reflected on it, he'd realize he fell into a trap and would not be able to gain any information from Damien. So, he might take matters into his own hands.Jared narrowed
Lulu, puzzled, 'Nicole's been here with me. She did not go out. How did she get the news?'Nicole, with a slight smirk, replied, "Just a guess.""A guess!" Lulu's voice rose in disbelief. Nicole's intuition seemed almost magical."You mentioned it was part of a police operation, and I immediately guessed it must be Jared's doing," Nicole shared honestly.In reality, it wasn't hard to guess; Lulu just hadn't thought it through.Hearing Nicole's words, Lulu understood and teased her, "As expected, you and your husband are in sync, guessing what's happening so quickly."Nicole couldn't help but roll her eyes at Lulu and chided, "Go get busy.""Hehe, you're blushing," Lulu chuckled. "Alright, I'm off to work. Won't disturb your sweet moment here."Watching Lulu dash off, Nicole shook her head with a mixture of laughter and tears.She flipped through the files on her desk, quickly immersing herself in work.After Lulu left, she got serious in a second.Glancing at her secretary,
"Alright, let's eat," Benjamin announced, standing up first. Everyone followed suit, heading to the dining room.Once seated, a joyful dinner unfolded, with the whole family enjoying the meal together.Amidst the laughter and lively chatter, what should have been a somber moment felt lighter, thanks to everyone's presence. Benjamin's mood was surprisingly upbeat.After dinner, when the house quieted down, Alfred helped Benjamin upstairs. "Sir, take it easy," he cautioned."It's okay," Benjamin sighed contentedly. "How wonderful it is to see the children all grown up.""Sir, from now on, just enjoy your time with your family," Alfred said with a smile."Yes, I don't need to worry about anything anymore. Everything has reached its inevitable conclusion," Benjamin reflected.Meanwhile, on the way home, Jared and Nicole leaned back in their seats, gently holding hands."You arranged all of this, didn't you?" Nicole's voice was soft but certain."It was just a guess, so I had Max t
Lawrence was convinced that no matter who else he tried to find or what other plans he came up with, things wouldn't work out.Scorpio's face had turned sour, his words sharpening. "So what you're saying is, you'd rather let that woman have it than us?" he asked, visibly upset."Let the best person win. After all, that's the rule with the Five Badges," Lawrence shrugged, a nonchalant air about him. 'As long as I have it, I'll do what I want with it.'He knew he needed the Water Crest, and that Nicole was his only chance. 'Who else could pull it off?'Besides, he thought, 'It's safer with me. How could I be at ease if it's in someone else's hands?'"Fine, then guard your Water Crest well," Lawrence said, standing up with a hint of threat in his voice.Not backing down, Lawrence gave Scorpio a cold, challenging look. "You can try," he said defiantly.Their meeting ended without agreement. Scorpio glared at Lawrence before storming off.Watching Scorpio leave, Lawrence's eyes narr