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
Lulu glanced at Nicole and lowered her voice, saying, "You look a bit off. Are you worried about Everett?""No." Nicole slightly curled her lips, choosing not to share the situation with Lawrence with Lulu, not wanting her to worry as well."Then, has there been any news from Everett?" Lulu frowned, noting how well Everett had hidden himself.Nicole sighed. "Still no news. I wonder how Patricia is doing?""Yeah, it's really frustrating not knowing what Everett is up to," Lulu complained.Nicole reassured her with a glance. "Patricia will inform us if there's any news.""I'm just worried about Patricia and Ellar," Lulu sighed, knowing that only by resolving the Everett issue would things settle down."Let's wait a bit longer," Nicole said, her eyes narrowing slightly."That's all we can do," Lulu sighed. With Everett remaining hidden, they were indeed powerless.****At BayCorp, Patricia placed a document on Ellar's desk."Thank you." After expressing her gratitude, Ellar loo
Soon, Patricia arrived at the location she had been forewarned about, yet Emma was nowhere to be seen."Hasn't she arrived yet?" Patricia frowned and inquired."This... we find it strange too. We've already sent someone to check." Just as Seth finished speaking, his phone rang.After he answered the call, his expression turned grave. "What?!"Patricia immediately took the phone away from him and pressed for details. "What happened?""We've been deceived. Doretta changed the meeting location at the last minute, and now both Emma and Doretta have vanished," the person on the line lamented."Go check." Patricia uttered two words coldly and then hung up the phone."What should we do now?" Seth was distressed that they had just lost track of them.Patricia felt a pang of panic but forced herself to remain calm; this was not the time to lose her composure.Fifteen minutes later, Patricia returned to Riddle Corporation.After hurrying into Nicole's office, she quickly relayed the si
"This isn't your fault." Ellar looked up at Patricia, his eyes serious. " But can you promise me that in the future, you won't hide dangerous situations from me?"This was about Doretta deceiving Emma, not a trap set for them. If it had been a trap, even if Patricia had gone, she might have already fallen into it, and both of them could have been in danger."We will find a way to rescue Mrs. Riddle, rest assured," Patricia consoled Ellar."Okay." Ellar nodded, his gaze falling on the phone.What Ellar hoped for now was that his phone would ring, bringing news from Everett. Even if it were a threat, it would be good news for him. As long as Everett was willing to negotiate, Emma would be safe for the time being. Ellar was prepared to give up everything to ensure Emma's safe return."Ellar!" The office door was suddenly pushed open, and Emery hurried in."Emery." Ellar, looking pale, acknowledged Emery, realizing from his expression that he was aware of the situation."Any news ye
Ellar was momentarily stunned, listening to the dial tone from the phone."What did he say?" everyone asked at once."He wants me to go to BayCorp's parking basement," Ellar replied, somewhat hesitantly."Then what are we waiting for? Let's go," Emery said, already moving to take Ellar with him. Dexter seemed eager to leave the hospital bed to join them."He asked me to come alone," Ellar said, torn.The room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with anxiety."You can't go alone," Patricia was the first to break the silence.Regardless, she decided to follow Ellar. She felt that him going alone wouldn't save Emma and could even put himself in danger."But if I take someone with me, Everett might not show up, or he might harm Mom," Ellar said anxiously. He was willing to risk his own safety if it could ensure Emma's."What do we do then? It's too dangerous for you to go alone," Lulu expressed her concern, highlighting the dilemma they faced."Let Ellar go alone. Give him w
"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