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
"Yeah, Zane's people have already taken control of those individuals. We're just waiting for the right moment to make our move." This resolved one of her concerns."The timing should be about right," Jared commented, his eyes narrowing slightly."I think Doretta is getting impatient and might make a move soon," Nicole speculated.Jared also felt this was very likely and reminded her, "Remember to tell me if anything happens.""I won't be in any trouble, and there's nothing I need to do," Nicole said, looking at Jared with a smile.Gently squeezing Nicole's hand, Jared looked at her, his gaze deep.Upon returning to the Riddle residence, the two entered the living room.Seeing Gloria organizing some photo albums, Nicole asked curiously, "Mom, what are you looking at?""These are the prewedding photo album samples Emma and I chose today. We're gonna hand them over to Stanley and Tia when they're back so they can choose their own," Gloria explained."Emma went with you? Why didn'
Nicole thought Benjamin must have known something, which was why he asked Daniel."You can trust us to handle it, so you don't need to feel any pressure," Daniel reassured Nicole, indicating that Benjamin was asking out of concern and nothing more.Nicole nodded. "We'll take care of it as quickly as possible.""Good." Daniel then changed the subject. "Let's have dinner then.""Okay," everyone agreed, and they all headed toward the dining room.Seeing Nolan not staying to watch TV but heading upstairs instead, Lana couldn't help asking, "Aren't you watching TV?""No, I've got things to do," Nolan said, already stepping up the stairs."Oh," Lana didn't think much of it and turned on the TV to watch.Nicole glanced over upon hearing this, a thoughtful look crossing her eyes.Meanwhile, Ellar and Patricia had just arrived at Ellar's home. They were late because Patricia had insisted on buying some gifts.Carrying those gifts, Patricia politely greeted, "Hi, Mr. Riddle, Mrs. Riddl