"Yes, Ellar is in danger right now; you should go and protect him," Lulu agreed.Nicole nodded. "You should definitely go back."Patricia felt the mood shift, her cheeks turning red as she quickly said, "I just don't want him to get hurt.""We all know you care about him," Lulu said, smiling and teasing her.Feeling more shy, Patricia mumbled something and hurried out of the room."She's obviously worried and trying to hide how much she cares about Ellar," Lulu observed, shaking her head. "She should just admit her feelings."Nicole's subtle smile lingered, yet she chose silence over words.Regaining her composure, Lulu asked, "Nicole, what exactly is going on? Did Everett see it coming?""It's not about foresight; it's his instinct to always have an escape plan." Nicole reflected. She admired Everett's knack for turning situations."And his next step?" Lulu's brow creased in thought, contemplating Everett's forthcoming strategy. Although his real identity as Everett hadn't be
Everett felt extremely low, the lowest he's ever been since coming back to San Joto, all thanks to Doretta before him."I have nowhere else to go. If you don't help me, I might just turn myself in," Doretta said, desperately trying to make Everett react."Do you think I care if you turned yourself in? Once I ran from the police, I knew I couldn't go back," Everett said angrily, upset that she was trying to threaten him.When Doretta saw her threat didn't work, she stood up, ready to leave, saying, "I'll go out now.""You crazy woman," Everett snapped. He grabbed her, seething with frustration."Let me go!" Doretta struggled."Stay put," Everett warned her sternly.While they were arguing, they heard a voice from outside. "Did you hear that noise?"Another voice asked, "Really?"Right away, Everett and Doretta stopped moving and held their breath.Someone seemed to wait outside for a bit, then, hearing no more sounds, moved on."Why did it stop? I'm sure I heard something."
"Mom, who said I didn't come back?" Just as they were discussing, Preston's somewhat indignant voice rang out, followed by his entrance from the hallway."There you are! Come here," Karen said happily, seeing Preston.Preston quickly responded, "No thanks, I don't want to come over just to get a lecture."Then, he looked at Nicole and motioned to her, "Come over here."He showed up because he knew Nicole had a reason for calling everyone together. As the only single guy in the family, he dreaded the idea of facing his mom and aunts all at once.Nicole, understanding what Preston was thinking, gave a small smile. "Why don't you come over here instead?"Preston reluctantly approached and sat down near the couch."Grandpa," he greeted Benjamin before adopting an expression that said he was ready for the inevitable fuss."Sit down, let's talk," Benjamin shook his head gently, adding, "Everyone's just concerned about you.""Yeah, I get it," Preston could only agree compliantly. 'Wh
Jared spoke up, addressing everyone, "You don't need to change your daily routines. Just be more careful when you're out. Starting tomorrow, I'll arrange for some bodyguards to ensure your safety.""I'll take care of it; you have enough going on," Sean added, echoing Jared's thoughts.After exchanging a look with Sean, Jared agreed, "That sounds like a better plan.""Okay, then don't worry about us. I'll handle it," Dillon reassured them.With Everett cornered and his "Lexter Wright" disguise no longer a secret, they all knew he might become desperate.Dillon believed that the younger family members had their own responsibilities and didn't want to add to their burdens unnecessarily."Dad, I'll find someone reliable," Preston promised.Dillon looked at Preston, concerned, and warned, "Be careful yourself."He knew Preston was involved in Nicole's situation, which could also put him in danger."Got it," Preston said, nodding.Soon, the family moved past their worries about Eve
Karen tried to comfort him, "Don't worry, Everett will get what he deserves soon."Dillon agreed, feeling a bit better. "Yeah, you're right.""Okay, let's get some sleep.""Yeah, let's head to bed."****Samuel and Spencer returned to the Riddle residence with June and Lulu.After persuading Daniel and Gloria to head upstairs to rest, Samuel eagerly asked, "Nicole, I didn't ask much back at Grandpa's house, but where exactly is Everett now?"He had heard from June that Nicole's plan was thorough, so he wondered how Everett managed to escape in the end."You guys chat, I'll take Nolan and Lana to bed," Jared said, then walked away with the children, thinking it was getting late and they needed to sleep.Taken aback, Samuel looked at Nicole and said, "Sorry, I was just too anxious.""It's okay, it's just their bedtime," Nicole replied, then sighed. "We're still searching for him, but there's no news yet. He has someone very capable with him.""I figured you all would be here,
Stanley said, "If you need my help, just ask."Spencer shook his head. "No, focus on getting ready for your wedding with Tia.""Right, your wedding's the main thing. We'll handle the rest," Samuel added."Preston thinks we should talk about our plan," Preston said.Nicole thought for a bit and then agreed, "Okay, let's do this. We will..."After everyone agreed on the plan and left, Nicole went back to her room.Jared was there, reading at the desk."You're reading?" Nicole came over, hugging Jared from behind and leaning on him.Jared closed his book and sat Nicole on his lap, whispering, "Looks like you all have a plan." He guessed the meeting was over since Nicole was back."Preston found some useful info for us," Nicole told him."Hmm." Jared nodded, realizing their talk was over. He trusted they would fill him in when needed.He stroked her hair gently and whispered, "Let's get some sleep.""I'm pretty tired," Nicole agreed, smiling and resting her head on his shoulder
Everett looked around the room and chose to sit in a chair, closing his eyes to rest and think.The next day dawned bright and sunny.After dropping Nicole off at Riddle Corporation, Jared's car slowly pulled away."Mr. Johnston, we haven't found where Everett is hiding yet. Mrs. Johnston is starting with Jerry, and they already control Hexton," Max updated him."Hmm," Jared responded, appreciating the useful details from Preston."It's unlikely Everett will appear soon, but he won't just sit back either. And with Aquila with him..." he hinted at the challenge Aquila presented."He'll show himself," Jared stated, looking serious and determined.Max was a bit shocked. "He would risk coming out now?" With the police after him, Zane's people searching, and their own vigilant watch, it seemed unlikely."He can't just hide forever," Jared was certain. Everett had been hiding for a long time, but now back in San Joto, he wouldn't want to just wait around. His resources were limited,
"Nicole, any updates on what Preston mentioned yesterday?" Lulu asked."Not yet, but Everett can't wait much longer," Nicole replied, her eyes showing concern. She believed that by now, Everett would be feeling the most pressure."What on earth could Everett be hiding?" Lulu wondered, puzzled that despite so many people searching for so long, they still couldn't locate him.Nicole narrowed her eyes, deep in thought. "Aquila must be really skilled," she said, wondering how Everett managed to get such a capable person on his side.Lulu nodded, "He's definitely mysterious and skilled. He's hidden Everett so well that nobody can find him."Nicole added, "People who can hide like this must be really good at avoiding being watched and must also be experts at disguising themselves." She figured this was how Everett's men managed to stay hidden from everyone searching for them."Ms. Riddle, I was thinking the same thing," Patricia chimed in as she entered the room, catching the tail end
"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