"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
Nolan remembered what Nicole had said: "If Lawrence needs help, he should just ask us."He wished Lawrence had asked because he would've been glad to help. But Lawrence chose not to, maybe because whatever he was doing wasn't good for them, and that's why he didn't tell them.Thinking about it made Nolan feel weak. He wished he was stronger so Lawrence wouldn't have manipulated him.'I need to work hard to reach my goal,' Nolan decided.Nicole smiled a bit and nodded at Jared."Let's leave him alone," Jared said quietly.They agreed to support Nolan, feeling both sad and proud of his determination.The house was quiet, everyone else was asleep.Nicole and Jared went back to their room. Nicole rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. Jared then gently started massaging her head."You seem tired," Jared said, worried."I'm okay, just had a busy day," Nicole replied, shaking her head slightly.After a bit, Nicole patted his hand. "I feel better now."Stopping the mass
"Considering what you asked for, these are the folks I managed to find. You seemed in a rush. If not, I might've found more," Pisces explained, looking a bit helpless."Alright," Scorpio hesitated, then added, "Leave the room. They'll stay.""Sure thing," Pisces responded. "If you need anything, just let me know."Once Pisces left, Scorpio checked out the people Pisces brought in. "Were all of you previously bodyguards?""Yes," they answered together."And before that?" Scorpio inquired."Some worked as mercenaries," came the reply.Scorpio looked satisfied. Though fewer than he expected, their skills seemed sufficient for the task."I've got a job for you. Get it done, and this is what you'll get," Scorpio said, nodding toward a briefcase on the coffee table."We're in," they agreed, then inquired, "What's the job?""I need you to... handle someone for me," Scorpio replied cryptically.Silence settled in the room after Scorpio spoke."What, you nervous?" Scorpio frowned.