Patricia's gaze lingered on her arm, looking at the bandage he had applied. She bit her lip slightly, her fingers gently brushing the bandage, as if she could still feel his warmth.After Ellar left, he let out a long sigh, soothingly patting his chest. It seemed to help a bit. For some reason, he had felt an intense panic, as if he was on the verge of losing control over himself."All those grand statements are just lies we tell ourselves," Ellar muttered, shaking his head.There was a moment when he truly wanted to take Patricia away, to leave everything behind, but he knew he couldn't."What are you mumbling about by yourself?" Lulu's voice interrupted his thoughts.Ellar snapped back to reality, turning to see Lulu, "Nothing, I was just about to head back to BayCorp.""Nothing?" Lulu raised an eyebrow slightly. "I heard something, though.""Really, it was nothing. I was just thinking over this project. That's all," Ellar stubbornly insisted, refusing to admit anything.Lulu
Everett, looking at the documents in his hand, was filled with satisfaction."Nicole is so smart, yet Ellar, who has been following her around, hasn't learned anything," he snorted coldly, placing the document on his desk."Mr. Wright, now that the bait has been taken, what's our next move?" Jerry asked quietly."Ellar signing the contract will start his preparations. Keep an eye on him. Once he's nearly ready, let our mole escape," Everett instructed."Yes," Jerry agreed, then added, "Should we proceed with the other plans?"Frowning slightly, Everett pondered before saying, "We can start targeting DillCorp."That branch was managed by someone Nicole appointed, and any significant issues had to be reported back to the Riddle Corporation, creating a delay in communication which could work in their favor."Alright, I'll make the arrangements," Jerry said before leaving.Everett leaned back in his chair, legs crossed on the desk, clearly in a good mood. This was the most pleasant
Everett, known for his scheming ways, seemed poised to stir up trouble again."I came to suggest that you try hacking in," Preston said seriously. His hacking skills weren't on par with Nicole's, and if Nicole tried, there might be a higher chance of success.However, Nicole shook her head, "Everett will be expecting me." She had enlisted Preston precisely because Everett wouldn't be on guard against him. But if she took action, the likelihood of being detected would increase.Preston sighed, "I hadn't considered that.""Nicole, how about I go to DillCorp and keep an eye on things for the next few days?" Lulu offered."That won't work. If you show up, Everett will become suspicious." Nicole's presence could alert Everett that they were already onto him, which could jeopardize future maneuvers."What should we do, then?" Lulu asked, deflated."He dares to act this way because he's playing a game of timing with us, especially since matters at DillCorp have to be reported back to t
Early in the morning, when Nicole got to her office, Ellar called her."Nicole, we can make our move now," Ellar said, sounding pleased."Okay." Nicole hung up and called Lulu over.In Nicole's office, Lulu asked, "Got news?""Ellar said it's time to act," Nicole shrugged, showing that their plan could now be done."Great, I'm on it," Lulu said with a big smile, turning to leave.Meanwhile, Ellar went back to his office, facing the man on the couch."Stop struggling; you have no chance," the man said slowly and coldly."Hmph, don't even think about it," Ellar snorted, not backing down.The man raised an eyebrow, "Really, you're willing to give up your BayCorp just like that?""What's it to you?" Ellar shot back."BayCorp has always been under the Riddle Corporation, but since you took over, you've worked hard to take it to the next level. Can you really bear to give up just like that?" The man seemed to be trying to convince Ellar, but he was really playing mind gamesIf El
Everett gave a cold laugh. "It was Nicole's doing, wasn't it?"Jerry was briefly stunned, then stiffly admitted, "Yes.""She secretly had someone acquire the company and re-register it. Now, that project is basically a team-up between Nicole and Ellar, and the person we paid off has already taken the money and run.""Hahaha, what a move by Nicole," Everett's laughter had a somewhat eerie quality."Sir, it seems they were prepared for us all along," Jerry said with a grave expression.Now everything was clear. They thought they were outsmarting Ellar, using it as leverage against Nicole, but it turned out Nicole was using them instead, causing them to lose a valuable project for nothing.Indeed, to trap Ellar, their project proposal was real. If they could control Ellar, the project could be finished.But they didn't foresee that they were actually benefiting Nicole. Their plan failed, and they faced a significant loss.A chill flashed in Everett's eyes, his voice cold and pierc
A single project wouldn't normally deal a fatal blow to DillCorp, but the problem was Everett's subsequent actions. He had already prepared series of traps waiting for them.After signing the document, Nicole handed it to Patricia, "Take this over.""Be careful," Lulu cautioned Patricia."Don't worry. The one for Everett, I'll personally deliver. The signed document here, I'll have someone else deliver," Patricia assured.She had been closely following the DillCorp situation these past few days. Since Everett had people tailing her, to avoid getting caught, she arranged for others to carry out those undercover plans."You've thought of everything. I knew you could handle it," Lulu praised her.Patricia offered a rare smile, "I'm just doing my best.""Alright, I won't keep you. Get going," Lulu said with a smile."Okay." After agreeing, Patricia left.Lulu turned to Nicole, "Everett will soon find out he's been outplayed by you again. I wonder if he'll go mad.""He probably wo
Nicole gave Tia a meaningful look. "But ultimately, you can't keep picking them up forever, and if you want to see them, they're always here at home."With all that had been happening lately, Nicole had temporarily kept Tia in charge of sending or picking up the kids from school. But once things settled down, she planned to hire a driver. Plus, Tia and Stanley were planning to get married, and they would have their own matters to handle."Nicole, it's really no problem for me," Tia said, her cheeks slightly reddening."Don't worry, I'll arrange everything," Nicole shifted the topic. "Could you ask Mrs. Wallace Sr. if we can have dinner in the front yard?""Sure, I'll go ask," Tia agreed and headed toward the backyard."Mommy, if Tia isn't going to pick us up anymore, will Daddy and Mommy be the ones to do it?" Lana looked up and asked."You're getting familiar with San Joto, and you'll be starting elementary school soon. We'll arrange for a driver for you then," Nicole explained.
The new caregiver helped things work out smoothly. Tia could help for now and then marry Stanley comfortably once the caregiver got used to the routine."I get it, and I hope everything goes well for the kids. The caregiver is really doing a great job, so everyone can relax," Mrs. Wallace Sr. said, making it clear she was okay with this plan."Even though you have someone taking care of you, remember to let us know if you need anything," Stanley said. He knew Tia had been taking care of Mrs. Wallace Sr. for a long time and understood her needs."Don't worry, I'm good," Mrs. Wallace Sr. replied, looking happy and warm.The conversation flowed as they ate, and after dinner, they moved to the living room for a chat. The topic naturally drifted to Stanley and Tia's upcoming wedding."No need to hurry," Tia blushed, feeling shy."Well, I can't wait for Stanley to marry a great girl like you," grinned Gloria. Then she teased, "Stanley, make sure no one else snatches her away!"Tia blu
"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