Lawrence was leisurely sipping his coffee, his attention occasionally drifting back to the computer screen. The room echoed with the rhythmic tapping of keyboards as the hackers intensely focused on their task.Ian, with a hint of anxiety in his voice, broke the silence. "Mr. Royce, why is this taking so long?" He couldn't help but wonder, 'Is this another dead end? Why does it feel like we're moving at a snail's pace?'"Just hang in there a bit longer," Lawrence replied, a trace of impatience creeping into his tone.Internally, Lawrence was growing anxious too. 'Why no progress yet? We've got everything we need,' he thought, puzzled.Suddenly, a hacker let out a confused grunt."What's the issue?" Lawrence asked sharply, his gaze sweeping across the room.One hacker, looking totally bewildered, said, "It's like the program has been hacked, yet it hasn't. I've never seen anything like this."Ian, perplexed, asked, "What does that even mean? It's either hacked or it's not. What's
Ian was deep in thought. 'We used Nicole's trick, but she won't figure that out, will she?' he wondered.Suddenly, one of the hackers blurted out, "We've been duped." His fingers flew across the keyboard, searching for clues."Duped?" Ian was still piecing things together, his eyes darting to Lawrence's computer screen.It slowly started to click for him. Although he didn't get all the details, he realized they had fallen into Nicole's trap after connecting Lawrence's mention of Nicole and the hacker's comment.Ian's heart skipped a beat. 'So, we thought we were using Nolan to outsmart Nicole and unlock the Water Crest, but she was one step ahead the whole time.'Ian's voice came out rough, "Then the Water Crest..."Is it gone?" he asked out loud."Everyone, leave now," Lawrence ordered, his voice icy."Yes, sir," the hackers responded, quickly packing their laptops and exiting the room.Ian lingered, unsure. He knew staying wouldn't help, and he didn't dare face Lawrence yet.
"Go ahead and open it," Jared encouraged gently.Nicole bit her lip slightly. "Maybe you should handle this one."She already had the Fire Crest, and while another wouldn't be too much, she somehow felt the Water Crest might be safer with Jared.Jared looked at her tenderly. "It doesn't really matter who does it," he reassured her.Then, with a click on the 'enter' key and a pat on Nicole's shoulder, he said, "After all, I'm all yours.""Hey..." Nicole watched him walk away, a mix of humor and slight annoyance in her heart. 'He always leaves just like that,' she mused."I'm off to shower," Jared shouted over his shoulder, disappearing into the bathroom.Nicole let out a small sigh, her face growing serious as she focused on the task in front of her.By the time Jared was done showering, she had managed to get it done."It's open," she informed him as he walked back into the room.Jared, with a gentle smile, asked softly, "Did you claim it yet?""Not yet," Nicole admitted, un
Nicole quietly shook her head, impressed by Benjamin's speed in catching up with the latest news."I'll handle this," she said, getting up to grab the phone. "Yes, Grandpa, it's really happening."Benjamin, obviously taken aback, asked, "How did you pull that off?"He had been quite surprised when he first heard about it. 'How on earth did she also get her hands on the Water Crest?' he thought. 'Was there any buzz about the Water Crest showing up?'"It was pure luck," Nicole replied, keeping it vague. Initially, it was all an accident. But now, with it in her grasp, there was no going back."You've got to be more cautious now," Benjamin warned."I get it, Grandpa," Nicole assured him, understanding his concern. She was well aware that the Water Crest was a coveted item and now that it was hers, she had to think about the fallout.After ending the call, Nicole turned to her father, Daniel, who looked bewildered. "Dad, let's have our breakfast," she suggested."Okay," Daniel agre
The Riddles were far from an average family. Their life was anything but simple, with a family business and the Riddle Corporation to oversee, among countless other responsibilities.Gloria let out a sigh. "I believe they can handle it."Despite her confidence in her children, Gloria, like any parent, couldn't help but worry a bit more than necessary.On their way to the Riddle Corporation, Nicole glanced at Jared. "Do you think your grandpa knows what's going on? Should we go back and tell him?"Jared shook his head. "No need. Grandpa already called.""Oh." Nicole was taken aback by Maximillian's swift reaction.Jared's face clouded over. 'Grandpa's call wasn't just about the Water Crest. He also reminded me to keep Nicole safe. Now that she's even more in the spotlight, I can't let her be in any danger.'As they reached the Riddle Corporation, Nicole caught sight of Lawrence. Her eyes narrowed slightly. 'He's here.'As she started to get out of the car, she noticed Jared doin
Lawrence's eyes held a touch of genuine sorrow as he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, but I had things I needed to do."Nicole's response was steady and calm, "It's okay, that's all behind us now."Their relationship had changed; it couldn't return to what it used to be.Shifting the topic, Lawrence asked, "Can I go see Nolan and Lana?" He didn't want to dwell on the past anymore.He knew what Nicole's words implied - their friendship was over. He might not have another chance to see Nolan and Lana, so he hoped to see them one last time.Nicole considered this for a moment before answering, "You can see them at their school gate after school. But don't bother them. And remember, this is the last time."Lawrence felt a wave of sadness, realizing Nicole was setting a final boundary.After a brief pause, he accepted, "Okay."Knowing there was nothing more to discuss, Lawrence stood up, "I guess I should get going.""Alright," Nicole gave a light nod.As Lawrence near
Jared held Nicole's hand firmly, looking ahead, and instructed, "Drive.""Right away, Mr. Johnston," Max replied, igniting the engine.Upon reaching the kindergarten, Nicole greeted Nolan and Lana with a wave as they emerged."Mommy!" Nolan and Lana rushed to Nicole, embracing her with joy.Nicole smiled warmly, caressing their heads. "Time to head home," she whispered.As they drove away from the kindergarten, Nicole caught a glimpse of Lawrence in the rearview mirror, her gaze sharpening as their paths diverged.Meanwhile, Lawrence's face fell as he watched them leave."Mr. Royce, are we going to let them go just like that?" Ian inquired softly.Lawrence said to Ian, "Drive."Their car veered off in another direction. Lawrence, reclining in his seat, looked even more stern.He made a call to Scorpio."It's time to start the operation," Lawrence declared, his voice low and firm."Pleasure doing business with you," Scorpio responded, his tone laced with sarcasm.Lawrence e
Nicole glanced around, missing Stanley's presence. "Isn't Stanley coming back for dinner?" she wondered aloud."He's in the backyard and said he won't be joining us," replied the butler.Realizing Stanley was probably with Tia, Nicole helped Gloria stand up, saying, "Well then, let's eat." Daniel and Jared got up, and they all made their way to the dining room.With a bit of teasing in her voice, Nicole remarked, "Seems like Stanley and Tia can't get enough of each other, huh?"Gloria, holding Nicole's hand, smiled warmly. "Yes, it's heartwarming to see them like that.""They'll be just fine," Nicole agreed with a nod.Then Gloria, giving Nicole a knowing look, said, "I know you're swamped with work, but don't forget about your own life too."Nicole blushed a little at the hint. "We know. We're pretty much ready, just waiting for the right moment."In truth, Nicole and Jared had everything set for their wedding, but the timing wasn't right yet, so they'd put it off.Gloria adv
"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