Nicole did not notice whatever thoughts might have gone through her head as she was surrounded by a crowd. Many could see that she was not actually very difficult to get along with, so they started talking to her."Nicole, what's your relationship with our boss? Both of you are Riddles, are you related by blood?""Nicole, how did you get to know Specter? He's already so skilled. How are you even more skilled than him?"Nicole glanced at Zeke suspiciously, as if she was questioning him with her gaze.'Since when did you become that good?'Zeke rolled his eyes helplessly. "Come on, I've been following after you for so long now, and I'm now Hustuaburg's number two hacker!"Even if Nicole did not think he was skilled, he was already the top man in Hustuaburg.Nicole did not pay much attention to those ranking bells and whistles. After some thought, she felt that what Zeke said made sense, so she did not ask any more questions.Everyone behind them was very curious about their excha
The three got out of the elevator, and Nicole immediately tossed Zeke into the backseat of the waiting Mercedes-Benz before getting in herself.After all this trouble, it was almost ten o'clock already. She then said coldly, "A good boy should be sleeping early."Zeke puffed up his baby face as he glared at her. "We're the same age, okay?"'Why is she always calling me a kid?' 'I'm already a man, d*mn it!' Zeke cursed inwardly.When Nicole heard that, she gave him a slothful raise of an eyebrow. Her expression was cold yet dignified."I'm three months older than you."'Tch, only three months, what are you so gleeful for?' Zeke was massaging his rather sore legs from the twenty-five laps he ran this morning as he mumbled to himself angrily.Preston was not mad that he did not get a response from Nicole as he casually sat in the driver's seat and prepared to start the car.Edwin, who had followed them, knocked on Nicole's window.As the window winded down, Nicole's beautiful fac
'What?!'Preston, who was just about to step on the accelerator, was once again shocked. As he looked at her affirmative gaze, he almost wanted to puke blood.'This punk lives in the Military District Compound?!'The military district in San Joto was not a place any person could enter. Every single person that could live there was all people of influential backgrounds.Thinking back that how he treated Zeke earlier was decent enough, Preston wiped the sweat off his forehead and planned to start driving.At that very instant, he had broken into a cold sweat.'What sort of people has Nicole been hanging out with?'Zeke's rather dissatisfied voice then came from behind, sounding somewhat begrudging as well."We are not going to the military district. I'll head back to Northon Institute's dormitory."Seemingly being reminded of something, Zeke turned around and looked at Nicole as he gritted his teeth. "Otherwise, I need to wake up at four in the morning! It's too early. I can't w
Nicole did not notice Preston's expression. Instead, she turned to look at Zeke as she suddenly remembered what he said in the car. "Seems like you are very dissatisfied with the training schedule I've set for you."Zeke did not expect her to remember. He immediately explained, "It isn't that, Nicole. Just think about it. I need to be at the track by four-thirty. Doesn't that mean I need to wake at four since I can only head there after washing up? I'll be too tired for this..."Zeke was still complaining. When he realized that Nicole had left, only did he want to chase after her. Nicole's voice soon came over along with the breeze."If you have any further objections, come at three-thirty tomorrow. Now, go back and sleep."Zeke pouted as he was somewhat unhappy. He dared not challenge Nicole's authority, so he could only turn around and sheepishly walk to his own school."Sigh, four o'clock is not too bad, I guess. If I sleep now, I at least can get five hours of sleep..."After
When Karen felt Preston treating her so coldly, a bitter look appeared on her face.'It must have been that b*tch saying something to him!'Thinking of this, Karen anxiously looked at Preston as she said, "Tell mom now, why weren't you back home for the past few days? Was it because Nicole told you something? Tell me everything that b*tch said to you!"Karen guessed that Nicole must have been talking bad about her to her son behind her back.Otherwise, her son would not be so cold to her!Preston hated it the most when his mother was like that. He casually pulled his hand away when he heard that. Karen did not expect her son to take his hand away so forcefully and was stunned for a moment.Looking at her surprised look, Preston had a tinge of mockery in his eyes. "Nicole did not say much to me at all. It's you instead."Preston pulled his sleeves up, revealing the spot where Karen had grabbed him just now. The skin was already visibly turning blue-black, just like the bruise pro
He managed to draw Karen's attention away as the latter bore a deep hatred for Nicole in her eyes."It's all because of Nicole. She must've told our son something. Otherwise, no matter how rebellious Preston was, he never dared to talk back to me!"When Dillon heard Nicole's name, he also frowned a little in anger. He let go of Karen's hand as he hissed."You're right. When I was almost forced to kneel back then, Preston did not react at all. Nicole must've done something to him!"The husband and wife discussed about Nicole for a good while before Dillon finally remembered something important and looked on worriedly at Karen as he said, "If Preston is really close to Nicole, that means he will not help us and might get in our way too. What do you think we should do?"Karen also had thought of this as she squinted, and a cold glint appeared in her eyes."Then we'll do it ourselves."Dillon looked at her with surprise. A moment later, he lowered his voice as he said, "But Nicole i
What Nicole said made Norah's body stiffen.She then turned around as her eyes widened. 'Nicole?''Why is she here?'She had waited here for Samuel and Spencer on purpose and finally found the chance to get them to persuade her to go home.Unexpectedly, she ran straight into Nicole here. 'Isn't she supposed to be in class right now?' Norah wondered."Why are you looking at me so surprised? Feeling guilty now?" Nicole raised her eyebrow.She had felt that it was odd that Snow suddenly lost her pink diamond, yet only she and her brothers returned home that night. Snow and Raine would not be so stupid to be stealing their own things. Nicole could not help but think, 'Then the only suspect here was...'Norah immediately panicked. "What nonsense are you spouting? Why would I feel guilty?"She quickly played innocent. "I know you don't want me to go back home, so I won't, but don't you try to frame me."Nicole raised her eyebrow. "I haven't even said what you're feeling guilty for,
Nicole's brows furrowed. She did not expect Samuel to be such a naive simpleton.'With Snow so concerned about Harvey, if he were to find out about her losing the diamond, wouldn't she be afraid that he'd be angry?'No, she'd not tell such a lie.'When Norah saw Nicole keeping silent, she thought that the latter had admitted defeat and continued. "I know, you're afraid that I'll fight with you for their affection... but w-we're still family... Do you really believe Snow and Raine but not me?"What Norah said made Spencer feel a little conflicted."Nicole, you should've told me earlier about what Snow and Raine were doing. I'll try to investigate this matter. Before we have any conclusions, let's believe Norah for now."Norah had not been home for a few days now, and it was pitiful for her to be alone at school.Nicole, upon seeing how gullible the two brothers were, could not help but sigh.'However, as for evidence... if I want to investigate the matter, it'll be far, far easi
"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