"Need something?" Zane's voice crackled over the line."Here's the situation in San Joto," Nicole explained, then suggested, "We should focus on neutralizing Everett's influence here.""Okay, not a bad plan," Zane agreed. "I'll dispatch another team.""Perfect, with the current team there, that should work," Nicole replied.Zane cautioned, "I'll get it set up, but remember, you can't be involved in this one.""Don't worry, I know," Nicole replied, shaking her head helplessly with a smile."Stay sharp," Zane's voice was firm.Given Nicole's current situation and physical condition, direct involvement in the operation was risky. She needed to proceed with caution."Let's leave it there for now," Nicole agreed before ending the call."How soon can they get here?" Lulu inquired."Probably about three days," Nicole estimated."So, should we be getting things ready?" Lulu asked, wondering if they needed to prepare in advance."Not yet, just wait for them to arrive. But..." Nicole
As they reached the lobby of the company building, Nicole heard someone calling her and turned to look."Lawrence, what are you doing here?" Nicole was somewhat surprised to see Lawrence approaching her."Just passing by, thought I'd check on you. Heard you were out for lunch, so I waited," Lawrence explained with a light smile.Nicole's eyes narrowed slightly, her mind considering various possibilities, all of which she dismissed.With a composed expression, Nicole said, "Let's head up.""No need for that. I just wanted to see you. Now that I have, I'll be on my way," Lawrence said with a smile."Alright then." Nicole did not try to keep Lawrence.She found herself increasingly unable to read Lawrence, and subconsciously, she didn't want to interact with him more than necessary.With a smile at Nicole, Lawrence indeed left."Nicole, he didn't leave a time bomb or something, did he?" Although Lulu sounded like she was joking, she actually went over to check where Lawrence had
As the sun set, Nicole and Jared returned home to the Riddle residence.Laughter from the living room greeted them before they even stepped inside. Nicole noticed Mrs. Wallace Sr., Tia, Dexter, and Emma in the room.She greeted everyone and sat down. "I heard you all chatting and laughing just now," Nicole said. "What were you discussing?""Of course, we were talking about Stanley and Tia's wedding," Emma said with a smile. "Your mother stopped by today. I couldn't miss the chance to help out at such a happy occasion.""Yes, and we bring Mrs. Wallace Sr. over, so everyone could discuss together," Gloria added.Nicole turned to Mrs. Wallace Sr. and asked, "Grandma, are you satisfied with the arrangements?""Of course, I'm satisfied. This is the best," Mrs. Wallace Sr. smiled and nodded."Since everyone is okay with the arrangements, we can start discussing the wedding details," Emma said, then turned to Stanley and Tia. "Have you decided on a date yet?""Not yet," Stanley replie
"Yes, that's fine," understanding Jared's suggestion, Nicole smiled and nodded in agreement."Good, I'll give you the dress when you have your wedding party," Mrs. Wallace Sr. said with a smile.Tia took Mrs. Wallace Sr.'s hand and said, "Then I'll have a traditional Hustuaburgian wedding party, and I'll wear the dress you made for the whole event."Although Jared and Nicole's wedding party hadn't happened yet, Tia knew that everything was already set, and they were just waiting for the right time. So, to have Nicole wear a traditional Hustuaburgian wedding dress, it meant adding an occasion to switch gowns.As for her own wedding party, since it was still in the early planning stages, it seemed fitting to decide on a traditional Hustuaburgian-themed wedding party."Stanley, do you think that's okay?" Tia looked up at Stanley for his opinion."As long as you're happy," Stanley said, willing to fulfill her wishes."Good, you're all my good children," Mrs. Wallace Sr. said content
Three days flew by quickly, and the people arranged by Zane arrived in San Joto."Zane has briefed you on the situation, right?" Nicole asked in a serious tone."Yes, clearly," a man's voice came through the phone."The squad we sent out earlier should have gathered some information by now. Let's arrange a meeting to exchange what they've found. You can handle the follow-up work on your own. If you need any help, just let me know," Nicole added."Okay," the other party agreed.After hanging up, Nicole took a deep breath.She had already arranged for someone to start the investigation earlier, and with these new arrivals, they could directly proceed with the next steps."Nicole, are you really not going to participate?" Lulu asked Nicole with some confusion."They'll keep me updated on the progress. As for the rest, it's better to let them handle it. After all, I'm no longer part of Zane's organization, and it's actually not appropriate for me to be involved in some of their int
"Now that you know, what do you think about it?" Seeing that Preston was teasing her, Lulu didn't back down."I can't change anything with my thoughts. Right now, the only thing I care about is not feeling pressured to get married. Everything else isn't that important. As long as I'm not rushed into marriage, the pressure isn't a big deal.""Wait until Ellar gets married, then you'll see," Lulu said, shrugging and looking forward to the drama that might happen."Then we'll wait," Preston replied casually, as if the idea of Ellar getting married was not a big deal."You mean Ellar getting married is unlikely?" Lulu asked, tilting her head and sizing up Preston."Good things take time," Preston remarked, genuinely believing Ellar's journey to marriage wouldn't be smooth.Lulu pouted. "You're not very optimistic about his marriage. Be careful, or Ellar might come after you."Preston chuckled but didn't continue the topic. Instead, he turned to Nicole. "Have you changed the directio
"As long as it's good for our company," Ellar responded, seemingly unconcerned.Doretta nodded. "Alright then, I'll make the changes and bring it back to you for review."After watching Doretta leave, a deeper shadow crossed Ellar's eyes. Doretta hadn't shown any unusual behavior recently, seemingly devoted entirely to the company.He wondered, 'What exactly is she planning, or is she waiting for me to let my guard down?'Yet, I have given her plenty of opportunities lately.'Could it be that Doretta has discovered something, which is why she hasn't made a move?'Feeling increasingly unsettled, Ellar sighed and left his office.He went to Patricia's office. After checking the surroundings, he spoke in a lowered voice, "She hasn't made any moves recently. Do you think she might have discovered something?""It's unlikely. She's probably just looking for the right opportunity," Patricia speculated after a moment's thought."When is she going to act, though? I'm really getting imp
"They've succeeded," Nicole responded.Lulu was somewhat surprised. "If they've succeeded, why do you look so troubled?""We've got control over the people, but they can't help with the situation at the affected companies," Nicole explained."Oh, right, they can't really interfere with the operations of other companies," Lulu nodded, then asked, "So, what do we do now?""It looks like we'll have to ask them for help," Nicole said, her eyes darkening slightly."Them?" Lulu didn't understand who Nicole was referring to.Watching Nicole began to fiddle with her watch, Lulu realized and couldn't help but exclaim in shock, "Are you really going to use their power?"That was a force only crest holders could wield. She wondered, 'Is Nicole really going to use it to help those companies?'"There's no better option at this point, and helping them is helping ourselves," Nicole sighed."Will Everett move against the families behind the force then?" Lulu asked, a bit worried.Nicole smil