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
"I'll ask Charlie to try, but it's unlikely. At best, he might be able to provide some backup," Nicole said.Everett was always careful, and it was already hard for Patricia to avoid their surveillance. If Charlie brought people with him, they would probably be found out."Having him back them up is still helpful," Lulu said, her eyes shining with a bit of hope, thinking it might reduce some of the danger.Nicole called Charlie, explained the situation, and told him to meet up with Patricia."Let's hope everything goes smoothly," Lulu prayed, watching Nicole put away her phone."Don't worry, everything will be fine," Nicole reassured, trying to comfort everyone, including herself.Outside the hospital, Ellar said, "Patricia, you need to make sure my mother stays safe, and you have to stay safe too." He held Patricia's hand, his gaze serious.Biting her lip, Patricia nodded. She replied, "Okay."After giving Patricia a long stare, Ellar let go of her hand and walked out of the h
Seeing Ellar's dilemma, Emma desperately shook her head, signaling for him not to give in to Everett's manipulation and not to sign the document.Even though she didn't know what it was, she understood it was definitely detrimental to Ellar.She didn't want Ellar to be compromised, nor did she want to see Ellar being controlled because of her."You'd better not make a fuss; it's better for you that way," Doretta whispered menacingly close.Emma, with eyes full of pain, looked at Doretta and said, "I shouldn't have taken you in."She had been so kind to Doretta, even considering her as a potential daughter-in-law, but Doretta betrayed them."Enough talk, shut up," Doretta warned."Bring her over," Everett commanded, and Doretta led Emma out of the car.Ellar's eyes instantly reddened, and he stepped forward to grasp Emma, asking, "Mom, are you okay?""I'm fine," Emma shook her head and held onto Ellar, insisting, "Do not sign the papers. Don't give in to him.""Huh? Do you thi
"No, we can't leave you behind," Emma expressed her deep concern. If something were to happen to her, they would be haunted by guilt forever."Mrs. Riddle, please go! Once you're safe, I'll find a way to escape," Patricia urgently shouted, clearly struggling to hold on."You must come back safely," Ellar gritted his teeth, pulling Emma away with him."Patricia!" Emma was still worried about Patricia, her eyes reddening with urgency.After escaping the parking basement, Ellar put Emma in a taxi."Mom, Dad is in the hospital; you go home first. I'm going back to save Patricia," Ellar said, turning and rushing back to the parking basement.He knew that their staying wouldn't have helped Patricia; it was necessary for Emma to leave first. However, he couldn't abandon Patricia alone; he had to go back."Ellar!" Tears instantly welled up in Emma's eyes as she watched Ellar dash back into danger, biting back the words urging him to return.Returning to the parking basement, Ellar saw
Nicole was restless, trying not to think the worst.Jared gently embraced her, saying, "Don't worry, they'll be alright."Spencer glanced at Emery and suggested, "You should go back first; we'll stay here.""I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway; I'd rather wait a bit longer," Emery replied, his expression somber.Though unspoken, everyone understood the grim reality. Given the time that had elapsed, Ellar and Patricia might be in danger, and now they were waiting for a miracle."Spencer, the rest don't know yet, right?" Lulu asked."Yeah, we've kept it from them for now," Spencer confirmed.Lulu clasped her hands together, looking up and murmuring, "I hope Ellar and Patricia come back safely."If they returned unharmed, they could pretend this incident never happened. But if something had gone wrong, it would be unbearable to face tomorrow."There's someone coming."The conversation was interrupted by the sound of staggering footsteps.Looking up, they saw two figures leaning
Patricia's voice was subdued as she slightly bit her lip, recalling the harrowing events."We had already arranged for Ellar and Mrs. Riddle to escape first. But after sending Mrs. Riddle off, Ellar returned to the parking lot. Even though he isn't skilled in combat, he didn't hold us back..." Patricia paused, the memory of Ellar's selfless bravery warming her heart.She had to admit that if Ellar hadn't returned, she might not have been able to hold on until Charlie arrived with backup.Nicole nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation even though Patricia hadn't detailed everything explicitly. She could imagine the dire circumstances they must have faced."What about Charlie?" Nicole asked, piecing together that Charlie must have arrived in time to assist them, which is why they were able to escape."I don't know," Patricia shook her head. "He told Ellar and me to go ahead. Seeing Ellar in bad shape, staying would have only hindered their efforts, so we left."Staying w
"Ouch!" Ellar suddenly yelped, then looked at Nicole with a mix of annoyance and complained, "Why did you press on my wound?""If you're alright, why the scream?" Nicole retorted with a hint of disdain. She thought that both of them needed rest and yet here they were, not taking their injuries seriously and trying to act tough.Ellar, looking a bit dejected, drooped his head and said, "I just wanted to check on Patricia.""You've seen her, now go back and rest," Nicole instructed firmly, her eyes conveying serious concern.Realizing Nicole was unbending in her stance, Ellar acquiesced quietly."I'll take him back to his room," Emery offered, wheeling Ellar away.Ellar glanced back, his eyes lingering on Patricia until he was out of the ward and the door closed behind him."He really is worried about you," Lulu commented, looking at Patricia."Yeah," Patricia nodded, acknowledging the sentiment but also recognizing the importance of prioritizing their health. Now that both were
The house was quiet, with only a few lights left on for Nicole and Jared's return.Seeing Nicole asleep, Jared didn't wake her. Instead, he gently lifted her from the car, holding her close as they headed inside. Nicole, nestled comfortably in his embrace, snuggled closer, contentedly drifting back to sleep.Jared, with a tender smile, carried her to their room, setting her down gently.As dawn broke, a new day began, and Nicole woke feeling somewhat refreshed."Daddy, Mommy," Nolan and Lana, having not waited up for Nicole and Jared the previous night, came into their room early in the morning.Greeting her two children, Nicole smiled. "You're both up early.""Mommy, what were you doing that you came back so late?" Lana asked, tilting her head."Just some work stuff," Nicole replied, not wanting to worry Lana with the actual events and choosing a simple explanation instead."Let's go downstairs for breakfast," Jared said, lifting Lana in his arms and leading the way out of the
"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