"Why are you here?" Nicole asked in surprise."I came to see you," Jared replied softly, his gaze gentle as he took a seat beside her on the couch.Nicole joined him, her body leaning against the soft cushions. "I just got back.""I know," Jared said, reaching out to take her hand.Nicole's eyebrows raised slightly. "You knew?"Her mind raced to a conclusion. Jared must have known about her lunch with Lawrence. His arrival here was far from a mere coincidence."Yes," Jared confirmed, "What did he say to you?"Nicole's frown deepened. "What if I told you we just had lunch? Would you believe that?""Just lunch?" Jared's voice carried a hint of disbelief. 'Is that all? What's Lawrence planning?'"Who knows? He's a weird one," Lulu added with a pout, "But for sure, he's up to something fishy."Nicole agreed silently. Although Lawrence appeared calm, she knew he was a wolf in sheep's clothing, not to be trusted.Jared looked at Nicole, his eyes calm yet filled with concern."Don
As the day wound down, Nicole hopped into the car, ready to head home with Jared.Once the engine revved to life, Max chimed in with a serious tone, "Mr. Johnston, just as you suspected, there seems to be a situation with the Eastern Falcon.""Hmm," Jared mused, acknowledging that it was the only plausible explanation for now."I've got folks keeping watch. If anyone shows up in San Joto, we'll catch it right away and launch an investigation," Max shared.Jared instructed, "Contact Zane. Have him send people to assist in the investigation.""Got it," Max acknowledged.Nicole sighed, feeling things getting more complicated, doubting if peace would return to San Joto."How's Charlie doing?" she asked, hoping that with Max handling so much, Charlie's recovery could help ease the situation."He's doing much better. Had a follow-up today. If he keeps improving, he can handle some tasks," Max replied, understanding Nicole's concern."That's good," Nicole nodded, then asked again, "A
Martin and Ellar were startled by Nicole's suddent appearance. Cindy, holding a tray, was so surprised that she dropped it, the noise echoing in the room.Collecting himself, Ellar quickly covered his arm with a sleeve and attempted to sound composed, "Nicole, what's up?"Nicole looked straight at Ellar's arm. "What happened to your arm?" she asked."I got a little hurt. Martin's helping me out," Ellar said, trying to play down the pain, though his teeth were clenched.Nicole raised an eyebrow skeptically, glancing at Ellar. "Why does Martin need to personally handle a minor injury of yours?"Trying to change the subject, Ellar said, "Oh, it's just a small thing... I was also checking on Patricia's condition. Are you here to talk about treatment options with Martin? I won't bother you then; I'll go."Without saying anything, Nicole observed Ellar as he walked away. When Ellar approached, Nicole suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling up his sleeve to reveal the injury
"How did Nicole find out?" Cindy mused, still rattled by what had just happened.Even though they didn't mean any harm, there was a lingering sense of guilt for keeping it from Nicole.Martin shrugged, uncertain. "I don't know, but even though she's mad, it seems like she's okay with how things are going. Otherwise, she would've told us to quit."Ellar replied, "As long as we can keep going, that's fine."Martin glanced at Ellar. "There's more pain ahead.""It doesn't matter. I'm not afraid." He was ready to face anything for Patricia's sake."Let's take a break and head home. We could all use some rest," Martin suggested, shaking his head as weariness suddenly hit him.Cindy teased Martin while observing him, "I bet it's just guilt from seeing Nicole."Martin stumbled a bit, firing back at Cindy, "And what about you? You even dropped the tray."Cindy struggled to argue, saying, "I... you..." She then got annoyed and added, "I'm going to rest."Ellar, realizing it was time to
Nicole sat at her desk, carefully reviewing the treatment data Martin had provided. She focused on it, determined to understand every detail.At some point, a glass of milk appeared next to her."It's late; you can continue tomorrow," Jared's voice came from nearby.Nicole looked up and smiled. "Alright."After she finished the milk, Nicole quickly cleaned up and prepared to rest.Later, as Jared finished his shower, he noticed Nicole gazing outside, captivated by the night sky."What are you looking at?" Jared asked quietly."Nothing, just daydreaming," Nicole replied, turning toward Jared with a smile.Jared gently ruffled her hair, speaking softly, "Get some rest.""Mhm," she responded, feeling a sense of calm. She pulled the covers over herself to lie down and thought to herself, 'Things need to be done step by step, no rush.'Jared hugged Nicole, giving her a kiss on her forehead, and softly patted her back. "Time to rest."Nicole cozily nestled in Jared's embrace, shut
Nicole knew Martin and Ellar couldn't be the ones who spilled the secret to Patricia."So, it's true," Patricia took a step back, her voice heavy with emotion. She had suspected it but had been reluctant to accept it until now."I only found out last night," Nicole reassured Patricia with a sigh. "Ellar's doing well, and Martin and I are working on a solution that could help you."Perplexed, Lulu looked at them, unable to grasp the conversation. "What happened to Ellar? And why is Martin involved?""What happened to Ellar? And what does it have to do with Martin?" she wondered.Nicole glanced at Lulu and clarified, "Ellar is testing a drug. If it works, it could treat Patricia."Lulu's eyes widened. "So, Ellar is risking himself for Patricia? But if it goes wrong..."Lulu grasped the situation, and her alarm surfaced. "So, Ellar could be poisoned! Just like what happened to Martin. Nicole had to help him detoxify," Lulu said, clearly shocked. "Ellar must care a lot about Patrici
Cindy handed Ellar a cup of tea. "Warm up first," she said."Thanks," Ellar replied, taking a seat on the sofa.Martin emerged from the lab and noticed the group. "I thought you wouldn't come because of the rain," he remarked."How could we not come when it was planned?" Ellar responded as a matter of course.Turning to Nicole, Martin asked, "How are things on your end?"Nicole handed Martin the revised data she had worked on. "Take a look at this," she suggested."Okay," Martin agreed, sitting down to review it.Nicole waited, then turned to Ellar. "How do you feel now?"Ellar rolled up his sleeve, revealing his scar to Nicole. "I feel it's effective; we can continue," he said.He thought they needed to hurry; his wound was healing, and he wondered how that might help with Patricia's treatment."Let's wait and see," Nicole said, turning her gaze away.Ellar's wound was healing slowly, probably due to recent medication and the influence of the toxin.Nicole had changed the
Ellar must have overheard Martin and Cindy discussing it when they talked about adjusting the dosage of the medication."In this heavy rain, where could she have gone?" Cindy expressed, clearly anxious."Let's all go look for her," Lulu echoed, determined to help.'Alright,' Nicole agreed, standing up, and they quickly left the laboratory.Everyone understood that the more people searching, the better the chances of finding Patricia quickly.Patricia's usual hangouts were few, and with her not at home, the possible places were even fewer.Lulu voiced her thoughts, "Where could she be?" She watched people rushing in the rain, realizing how little they knew about Patricia.Nicole expressed concern, "I'm worried she might be hiding."If Patricia had indeed chosen to hide and forego treatment, it might mean they'd never locate her."Yeah, Patricia might actually go that route," Lulu acknowledged, torn in her thoughts.Nicole, with a frown, called Max."Mrs. Johnston, Mr. Johnsto
"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