Nicole gently kissed Nolan and Lana on their cheeks, reassuring them, "Okay, I will come back soon after finishing my work."Jared affectionately patted Nolan's head. "Be sure to take good care of Lana while we're away."Nolan nodded confidently. "I will.""Daddy," Lana reached out her arms toward Jared, yearning for a hug.Jared lifted her up, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Daddy, I'm going to miss you so much."A look of deep love flashed in Jared's eyes as he replied, "I'll be back before you know it.""Nolan, Lana, it's almost time for kindergarten," Tia gently reminded them.After bidding their parents a reluctant farewell, Nolan and Lana waved goodbye."Bye-bye, Daddy! Bye-bye, Mommy!" they called out, their little feet dragging and their heads turning back three times to look at their parents before following Tia to the car.Nicole watched the car carrying Nolan and Lana until it disappeared from view. The sight left a bitterswe
Max pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, let's wait and see what develops."In matters as delicate as Patricia's treatment, it was best to proceed with caution, especially in the absence of Nicole, who was currently abroad. Any major decisions would have to be deferred until her return.Leaving Charlie with his thoughts, Max departed, his mind already shifting to the myriad of responsibilities awaiting him at the office. With Jared away, the burden of overseeing operations fell heavily on his shoulders.Meanwhile, as darkness enveloped the city, Nicole and Jared's plane touched down smoothly at Lanningbourg Airport. Stepping into the cool night air, they were immediately met by a familiar face."Mr. Johnston, Mrs. Johnston," Adolph greeted them with a respectful nod, his movements efficient as he opened the car door for them.Adolph was part of the same network as Patricia and Charlie, another piece in Jared's extensive and intricate web.Settling into the car, Jared address
After refreshing herself, Nicole made her way to the hotel's breakfast area. She chose a light yet nourishing meal and was on her way back to her room when she suddenly sensed someone's presence. Reacting swiftly, she stopped, narrowly avoiding a collision and a potential breakfast disaster.Nicole's gaze landed on the man before her as she stepped back, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly."Sorry, I didn't see you there. I almost bumped into you," the man offered an apology.Nicole gave him a brief, indifferent glance and shook her head, signaling that it was no big deal. She then maneuvered around him with her tray, gracefully exiting the space.The man watched Nicole leave, a shadow of intrigue passing over his eyes. He subtly slipped a button-like item into his pocket and resumed selecting his breakfast, masking any hint of the earlier incident.Meanwhile, Nicole lingered near the restaurant's entrance, discreetly keeping an eye on the man. She had caught him putting something
After getting into the car, Nicole spoke softly, "Good morning, Adolph. Let's go.""Right away," Adolph replied, starting the car and steering toward Apex Corp's headquarters.Back at the hotel, Jared hung around the room. His sole purpose on this trip was to be with Nicole; he had no work lined up.Jared's eyes took on a cold glint as he was standing by the windows.After a brief silence, he dialed Zane's number. "Zane, they're making their moves.""Got it. I'll arrange assistance and share some new leads. Let's meet," Zane responded."Alright," Jared ended the call.After he stowed away his phone, his gaze out the window hardened even more.***Meanwhile, Nicole and Adolph reached Apex Corp's headquarters.After explaining her visit, the receptionist guided her to the meeting room."Please wait; Mr. Martinez will be here soon," the receptionist informed Nicole."Thanks," Nicole nodded and took a seat, Adolph standing behind her.Soon, footsteps approached from outside th
Reggie harbored a genuine curiosity about Nicole. With a collaboration in the works, he naturally desired to meet her in person.Nicole's eyes narrowed slightly; she was unsure whether to fully believe Reggie's words. Nevertheless, his expression seemed genuinely earnest.During their conversation, Reggie's secretary returned, carrying a file."Mr. Martinez," the secretary handed the file to Reggie.Reggie, in turn, passed it directly to Nicole. "Please, take a look at this."Nicole opened the file, looking surprised. "Mr. Martinez, what does this mean?"It was a project proposal, one that Apex Corp had never publicly disclosed. This implied she was the sole person outside of Apex Corp to have laid eyes on this plan."I believe this proposal could use some refinement. I hope you can assist me with it," Reggie stated straightforwardly.Nicole was taken aback. "You want me to revise it?" She thought, 'What's happening? This is a massive investment project, and he's asking for my
After reviewing the document, Jared asked Nicole, "What are you planning to do with this?""I'd like to give it a try," Nicole nodded. With previous experience in designing weapons and intelligent robots, this task didn't seem particularly challenging to her.Reggie's file was more of a conceptual design than a complete plan. While most of its main ideas were solid, it needed further refinement, explaining Reggie's dissatisfaction."If you're interested, go for it," Jared said softly with a smile, handing the file back to Nicole.Considering her interest, Jared thought, 'Whether it leads to success or failure, it's all acceptable.'"Alright," Nicole said with a smile, setting the file aside. She then looped her arm through Jared's, adding, "But there's no rush. What's urgent now is lunch."A doting smile crossed Jared's face as he replied, "Okay, let's go eat."Holding her tender hand, Jared led Nicole out of the room.Top of Form"We won't eat in hotel this afternoon. Let's g
After finishing their meal, Nicole and Jared, hand in hand, left the eatery, heading back to their hotel.Along the way, the man who had been watching them did not follow.Nicole, puzzled, murmured, "What does he really want?"Jared, holding her soft hand, glanced at Nicole and said, "We'll find out soon."Blinking, Nicole realized, "You've had someone keeping an eye on him."Jared's voice carried a hint of coldness, "Since he's deliberately getting close to you, he must have a purpose."He was not about to take this lightly, alert to even the slightest hint or clue.Feeling a sense of warmth, Nicole slightly smiled. "Then let's wait for the results."She too was suspicious of the man but didn't want to investigate just yet, preferring to observe more. Perhaps he would reveal his true intentions soon.Jared's direct and straightforward approach was effective.Upon entering their hotel room, it wasn't long before someone knocked on their door.Opening it, they were greeted by
Nicole instinctively glanced toward the door as Zane stepped in, a subtle smile playing on his lips."Why are you here?" Nicole asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.Approaching them, Zane replied with a light smile, "Of course, to coordinate with you both."Hearing Zane's words, Nicole looked up at Jared, realizing he was the one who had asked Zane to come.Jared offered a gentle smile and turned to Zane. "Have a seat."After sitting down, Zane got straight to the point, "Scorpio's side should have a result tonight.""Are we wrapping it up?" Nicole's eyes widened in surprise. Things were moving faster than she expected."The evidence has been gathered, and I've already notified Pisces. Pisces will contact Max," Zane informed them.Nicole nodded, "That's good. Wrapping things up early is a wise move."If they continued, they would face Scorpio and Lawrence. If Scorpio could be dealt with, Lawrence would be left isolated and easier to handle. Despite their disagreements, they
"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