"If you ever need my help, you can always come to me," Ellar offered."No need," Patricia replied, giving a polite nod to Emma before she left.As Patricia departed, Emma furrowed her brows slightly. "That girl seemed familiar.""She's working for Nicole," Ellar explained."Oh," Emma nodded, seemingly recalling something."Mom, I've got work to do. If you want to rest, help yourself to some fruit. Or if you'd rather keep walking, I can get someone to walk with you," Ellar changed the subject.Emma gave Ellar a look, feeling disappointed by his eagerness to see them go. She had invited Doretta over specifically to help them bond, hoping it would bring them closer."Aunt Emma, maybe we should let Ellar focus on his work. We can go back home," Doretta suggested."Look how considerate Doretta is," Emma said, gently reprimanding Ellar. "If only you were as thoughtful as her, I'd be happy.""It's like fate is making up for it by sending someone thoughtful to be with you," Ellar said
With a sigh of relief, Ellar emerged from the secretary's office just after Emma and Doretta had left.He had managed to avoid a prolonged conversation with them through a bit of trickery; otherwise, he wouldn't have gotten any work done that day.Shaking his head, Ellar returned to his office, taking a deep breath to compose himself as he started to catch up on his workload.He thought to himself, 'Lately, I've had more on my plate, especially with keeping tabs on Everett. Now that Patricia is investigating Everett, could she possibly be in danger?'Meanwhile, Patricia, having obtained the surveillance footage, returned to the Riddle Corporation.Lulu was on her way to deliver documents to Nicole's office when she saw Patricia. "You're back. How did it go?""I just got back. I'm going to check the information I've obtained so far now," Patricia replied."How was Ellar?" Lulu inquired further.Patricia hesitated before responding, "He's fine." She headed to her own office after
As the sun set, Nicole left the company and found Jared waiting for her. She smiled as she approached and got into the car.Noticing the faint signs of fatigue on her face, Jared asked, "Tired?""It's okay, just a bit frustrated because some things aren't making sense yet," Nicole replied, leaning back in her seat and sighing."Because of the Eastern Falcon matter?" Jared seemed to understand Nicole's concerns.Nicole raised her eyebrows in surprise and asked, "How did you know?""Take a look at this." Jared handed her a document.Nicole flipped through the file, her brows furrowing. It contained the latest investigative information on the Eastern Falcon, but the contents were unexpected, prompting Nicole to murmur, "They've been this quiet lately?"It didn't make sense to her. If the Eastern Falcon was indeed backing Everett, their low profile was inexplicable. And if they had other plans, it was unlikely that no evidence would be found."Look at the back," Jared prompted Nico
"Let's eat," Gloria called out.Nicole glanced over, noticing Stanley hadn't returned yet. Understanding that her mom was calling everyone to dinner, she realized Stanley must have gone to have dinner in the backyard to spend time with Tia and Mrs. Wallace Sr.After dinner, Nicole and Jared, along with Nolan and Lana, headed back to their room.Gloria and Daniel were resting in the living room.Gloria checked the calendar and said, "Nicole and Jared's wedding is coming up, isn't it? It feels like the two of them are not in a hurry at all."She felt like they had not even discussed anything about the wedding."They've got it under control; you don't need to stress," Daniel advised Gloria."It's a major event, and they're so quiet as if they haven't prepared for it at all. How can I not be worried?" Gloria complained, glancing at Daniel."Don't worry, Jared won't let Nicole down." Daniel believed that, even though Nicole and Jared seemed calm, they wouldn't rush through the weddi
After breakfast, Tia arrived to pick up Nolan and Lana."Nicole, Jared," Tia greeted.Jared and Nicole were preparing to leave for work. "Let's go together," they suggested to Tia.They all left the house and headed to their respective cars parked in the courtyard."Bye, Daddy. Bye, Mommy," Nolan and Lana waved to Jared and Nicole."Bye," Nicole waved back as the car carrying the kids started. She watched it drive away before telling Max, "Let's go.""Yes," Max responded, starting the car and leaving the Riddle residence.In the car, Max spoke in a low voice, "Mr. Johnston, Mrs. Johnston, I have an update from Charlie.""Speak," Jared's voice carried a hint of coldness."He knew Nicole had asked Charlie to investigate Lawrence. Any news from there was likely related to Lawrence."Charlie said he had people look into it. Lawrence may seem quiet on the surface, but he's actually arranged for Ian to secretly assist Everett," Max said.A cold glint crossed Nicole's eyes; she had
"Find a way to contact her and make her work for us," Everett coldly ordered."Yes, I'll arrange it right away," Jerry immediately responded."What has Lawrence been up to lately?" Everett's gaze darkened slightly. 'He's been unusually quiet, which is not his usual style.'After Jerry reported Lawrence's recent activities to Everett, Everett frowned. "He's actually in the mood to send birthday gifts!""Yes, but it seems he hasn't received any response," Jerry added."Hmph, he's still not giving up," Everett scoffed. "Given the current situation, even if Nicole were to fall from grace, there's absolutely no way she would go back to him. Doesn't he understand that?"Everett couldn't believe that Lawrence would still think about rekindling something with Nicole."There's another thing. Recently, it seems someone has been helping us from the shadows. I'm not sure who it is, but I suspect it might be one of Lawrence's people," Jerry cautiously said."Be careful. Even if it is his do
"But with the Eastern Falcon on his side, taking him down won't be easy," Ellar said, a frown creasing his brow as he voiced his concerns."That's only a fraction of their force. Most of their ranks haven't sided with Everett yet. We believe Everett has the Eastern Falcon's leader under his thumb, so Zane is on a mission to locate and free them," Nicole detailed."Oh," Ellar thought aloud, "If that's the case, we might not be in such a tight spot after all."He then turned to Patricia, adding, "Still, you need to tread carefully in your endeavors.""Don't worry, I'm handling it," Patricia replied, her voice laced with an icy undertone.Ellar was visibly taken aback, ending the conversation with a heavy silence."Hey, Ellar, I caught wind you've got a cousin crashing at your place. What's up with that?" Lulu inquired, her curiosity undiminished by Nicole's briefing. The sudden mention of a cousin previously unknown piqued her interest."It's a bit of a saga," Ellar exhaled."Do
Ellar pondered, 'Don't people usually meet and chat first, even for a blind date? But my mom's acting like she's arranging a marriage straight off?'"Just tell her straight; you've got someone in mind. That's the truth, right?" Lulu nudged Ellar, urging him to confess.Right as Lulu's words hung in the air, Patricia was seized by a sudden coughing fit."Easy there, drink some water," Ellar quickly handed her a glass, concern etched on his face.Patricia's coughing subsided after a moment, and she took a few sips of water, murmuring, "Thanks.""Long as you're alright," Ellar commented, pained to see Patricia flush from the coughing spell."Let's focus on the meal, Lulu," Patricia interjected before Lulu could delve deeper, steering her away from further probing."Alright, let's eat," Lulu agreed, holding back her questions.She recognized that some issues needed to be navigated delicately. The evolving dynamic between Ellar and Patricia was something they had to untangle on thei