"Got it," Ellar hesitated for a moment before carefully saying, "Can Patricia... continue to stay here with me? I might still need her.""Sure," Nicole agreed.Ellar was instantly overjoyed. "Really? Thank you, Nicole.""Of course, it's true. Doretta hasn't made a move yet, and I think after you've refused to cooperate with Everett, Doretta will probably act soon. Patricia's mission isn't complete yet, so naturally, she can't return.""Oh." Ellar seemed a bit disappointed but quickly cheered up again. "It's okay, it's good to have her stay a few more days."Although it was for work, he was happy to see her more."Let's leave it at that for now. If anything comes up, remember to contact me immediately," Nicole reminded."I know," Ellar responded.After Nicole hung up the phone, her eyes narrowed slightly.She thought to herself, 'Now that Ellar has made his stance clear, whatever Everett plans to do next will probably be more straightforward.'The closer it gets to such moment
"Could it be that he's waiting for the outcome from Doretta's side?" Lulu speculated.At this time, Everett causing trouble to distract them might also be creating opportunities for Doretta."It's a possibility I won't rule out. I'll remind Patricia of this," Nicole said, then turned to the others. "As for these projects, we still need to maintain the facade."Lulu nodded in understanding. "Right, making Everett believe he has succeeded might lead him to expose his flaws.""We'll do as you suggest," Sean and Steve agreed."Good," Nicole replied with a slight smile.Soon after, Sean and Steve left the office."Nicole, even though we need to maintain a facade, our work still needs to continue. About these projects... will those companies be willing to play along with us?" Lulu asked hesitantly."Those willing to continue will do so; if not, we'll terminate the contracts. As for the penalties, let's waive them. They can decide what they want to do." After all, it was because of Ri
"But my mom said she wants to invite you over for dinner. You haven't been there in several days, and she even asked me if I did something to upset you. If you don't go, she'll definitely think I made you angry, and I'll get an earful," Ellar pleaded with Patricia, looking pitiful."You could explain it to her," Patricia said, somewhat helplessly."I could explain a thousand times, but it won't be as effective as you showing up," Ellar sighed. "I feel like I must have been adopted and not actually born to my mom."Patricia couldn't help but laugh. "I have plans tonight. How about this: I'll go back with you to chat a little with your mom, but then I have to leave."She had already made plans with Charlie to investigate the person connected to Doretta that evening."As long as you agree," Ellar instantly brightened up, his eyes shining."Remember, I really have something to do and can't stay long," Patricia reminded him again."I know, just your presence is enough," Ellar sighed
"Also, have someone keep a close eye on Everett," Jared's expression darkened, his tone cold."Understood, I will send our most capable people," Max responded."Good," Jared acknowledged, then picked up the document on his desk.Max nodded and left the office, realizing the situation was getting more complicated. He knew there was a high chance Everett might do something desperate, which could put Nicole in danger.Jared, concerned for his wife's safety, wanted to make sure everything was arranged to keep her safe.Max believed that while Everett was currently supported by the Eastern Falcon, his confidence would fade once they captured the Falcon's members and dealt with their leader.At that point, Everett would have no choice but to surrender, as he would be out of options.As the sun set and the evening glow filled the sky, Nicole and Lulu arrived at Ellar's home. They found Ellar and Patricia just getting out of their car, both surprised and pleased to see them."Hey guys,
"Nicole, Lulu, this is Doretta, a distant relative of mine," Emma introduced to Nicole and Lulu."This is Nicole, Ellar's fraternal cousin, and that's Lulu, Nicole's brother's wife," Emma continued with the introductions.After the greetings, Dexter encouraged everyone, saying, "Alright, we're all family here, no need to be formal. Let's eat.""Okay," everyone agreed, picking up their utensils."Patricia, try this," Ellar immediately served Patricia her favorite dish.Lulu saw this and gave Nicole an ambiguous smile, raising her eyebrows.Nicole chuckled softly, then turned to Dexter and Emma. "Uncle Dexter, Emma, you both look great recently, seems like you're enjoying yourselves.""Of course, we're thrilled," Emma replied, looking at Patricia with a satisfied smile.Patricia felt embarrassed, her face turning red.She glanced at Ellar, aware that their relationship was fake. But now, the situation seemed out of her control, and she realized she hadn't planned carefully. She
"Let's catch up another day," Emma said, although she felt reluctant to part ways, she knew she couldn't keep Patricia from her commitments."I'll walk you out," Ellar offered, standing up.Patricia nodded in acknowledgment and then followed Ellar out."Nicole, your assistant Patricia is both beautiful and capable. That's a real stroke of luck for Ellar," Emma couldn't stop praising Patricia."Emma, Patricia is great, but..." Nicole tried to caution Emma not to get too carried away, but found herself at a loss for words."But what?" Emma asked, puzzled."Oh, it's just that Patricia might not be planning to get married anytime soon, so her relationship with Ellar could still face some uncertainties," Lulu chimed in, understanding Nicole's hesitation and making an excuse for Patricia.Hearing this, Emma laughed and said, "That's alright. They're both young. Waiting a couple of years is fine, as long as they love each other."Her concern for Ellar's marital prospects was eased by
Charlie's expression stiffened momentarily but soon returned to normal. Both understood each other's thoughts and thus didn't delve further into conversation."How have things been on your end lately?" Charlie asked Patricia."Pretty smooth, overall," Patricia responded. "Did you call me over tonight because you found something?""Yes," Charlie said, pointing toward a restaurant not far ahead. "Our person is in there."Patricia frowned slightly, "Are you sure he arranged to meet Doretta?""Yes, Doretta is definitely showing up tonight," Charlie said, his gaze fixed on the restaurant.After a short wait, Doretta finally appeared."She actually showed up," Patricia remarked, her tone slightly icy."Doretta is starting at BayCorp tomorrow. Everett must have assigned her a task, probably related to the company's project. Are you guys prepared to counter it?" Charlie asked."Yes," Patricia replied, a faint smile playing on her lips as she thought about Ellar's plan.Seeing Patrici
Unfortunately for Doretta, Patricia had no intention of allowing her the chance to fulfill her ambitions. After concluding there was no new information to be gathered, Patricia stood up and left the restaurant.Unnoticed by Patricia, Doretta also stood up, her eyes darkening as she watched the departing figure vanish through the door.Once outside, Patricia gestured for a taxi and left. Charlie quickly followed, catching up to Patricia.Arriving back at the apartment building, they went up to Charlie's apartment."How did it go?" Charlie inquired.Handing over the recording pen to Charlie, Patricia replied, "Everything's in here.""Good," Charlie said, satisfied. "These will serve as evidence.""It aligns with the information we had before. We can proceed with the plan as intended." It seemed Doretta would likely make her move soon.After sitting down, Charlie poured a glass of water for Patricia, urging, "Drink some water.""Charlie, once this is over, you should also resign,