"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
Nicole's next task was simply to wait.As the day turned to dusk, Nicole left the office to pick up Nolan and Lana with Jared. With Tia and Stanley busy with their wedding preparations, the couple decided to personally take care of picking up the children."Let's take the kids to the amusement park later," Nicole suggested to Jared."Sounds good," Jared replied softly, always happy to go along with her ideas.After picking up Nolan and Lana, Nicole told them as they got into the car, "We won't be going home just yet. How about we go to the amusement park to have some fun?""Yay!" Nolan and Lana agreed excitedly.Nicole smiled as she affectionately ruffled the kids' hair. They hadn't shielded Nolan and Lana from the events of the previous day. Although the kids didn't voice any concerns, Nicole sensed they might be feeling some stress.She believed in not hiding such matters from them, thinking it was better they were aware and could perhaps be more vigilant, especially since the
After a while, Max gradually slowed the car down.Nicole glanced through the rearview mirror, noting that the car that had been following them was no longer in pursuit.Upon reaching the Riddle residence, Nicole, along with Nolan and Lana, got out of the car first.Jared instructed Max, "Find out exactly what happened.""Yes," Max responded respectfully.After Max left to investigate, Jared went into the house.Knowing that Jared had sent Max to look into the matter, Nicole didn't inquire further. Instead, she and Jared took Nolan and Lana upstairs.The next day dawned bright and sunny.After dropping Nolan and Lana at the kindergarten, Jared's car drove away."Mr. Johnston, Mrs. Johnston, the people following us last night appear to be Lawrence's men," Max reported, frowning slightly."Lawrence!" Nicole expressed surprise. 'Why would Lawrence have his people follow us?'"Do you know what this is about?" Jared's voice carried a hint of coldness.Max hesitated before replyin