Dillon did not notice the weird atmosphere. He examined Snow head-to-toe excitedly; he quickly saw the ring on her finger.'She clearly wasn't wearing a ring when she left...'At the thought of this, he asked delightedly, "Snow, did Harvey propose to you?"For a moment, Snow was startled by her father's words. She regained her composure and slowly shook her head."Nope."Snow caressed the ring while looking at Nicole with mixed emotions. She intended to let everyone get a clear view of the ring. It was as if the ring was Harvey's promise to her.'The ring is back in my hands, but it didn't give me the effect I wanted,' she thought.At this thought, a look of resentment appeared in Snow's eyes.'It's all because of Nicole! She stole Harvey away from me! Otherwise, why would Harvey treat me so coldly?' she thought again.However, she quickly regained her composure.Snow flashed her father and soft smile and said, "But it'll happen soon."'If Luka's plan works, it'll be equival
"Sean and Steve have helped us overcome the most challenging task. The success of today's bidding has resolved the crisis our family has faced these recent years. Let's have a dinner party tomorrow night to celebrate!"As soon as those words came out of Mr. Riddle Sr.'s mouth, Snow and Chloe turned to look at the two from the fourth household in surprise.'They won? Even dad's tender was rejected, but you're telling me they won?'At this moment, Carl and Daniel, who seemed deep in conversation, walked down the stairs.Nicole raised her eyebrows. She glanced at Snow and Dillon casually while she ignored their provocation. She then looked at Carl walking toward her and said, "Why are you not taking a rest?"Carl greeted his elders politely before turning to Nicole. "As soon as we met, uncle and I hit it off. So we decided to go out for dinner to discuss the origins of human beings."The corners of Sean and Steve's mouths began to twitch when they saw their dad, who was impressed by
Dillon noticed the chilling look in the emerald-like eyes staring at him."You can say whatever you want about me," Carl said coldly. "But don't you dare talk about Nicole like that."Chloe and Snow were annoyed when they heard this.'She must have put a spell on them or something. There's no way everyone's so loyal to her!' they thought.Dillon felt the pressure Carl was putting on him. He was scared. Sweat dripped down his face, and his legs trembled as he backed up. "Wh... What do you want from me? I'm warning you. This is the Riddle family home!"Carl did not back down. Instead, he sneered with a face full of ruthlessness and disdain, "Oh, yeah? What about it?"Everyone was shocked at his response. Even Mr. Riddle Sr.'s face turned solemn. Damien and Dexter looked at Carl with some doubts.'How could someone say that? Does he not take the Riddle family seriously? Even though our family status declined over the years, our family is still up in the ranks.'Snow could not help
Something flashed in Mr. Riddle Sr.'s eyes as he looked at the closed door and thought of what Carl had just said.He then turned to look at his son, who was shouting. There was no trace of sympathy on his face."As he should," he said coldly.'Would he be threatened by Nicole's friend if he shut his mouth from the start?''That friend of hers is not an ordinary person. It was expected that Dillon would be afraid of him.''But how did she meet such a person?' Mr. Riddle Sr. could not figure it out for the life of him.He then ignored Dillon, who was still complaining, and walked upstairs. "Sean, Steve, come with me."As soon as Snow saw the three of them walk away, she hurriedly went to her father's side. She did not dare speak up for his father at that time. After all, her position in the Riddle family was at stake.Dillon was displeased when he grabbed Snow's hand for support. He was angry and embarrassed that he was scared of a foreigner.He then cursed and slowly walked up
Zeke looked at the girl warming up beside him, ready to start. He then quickly went on the track. 'What's going on? Nicole is running with me?'He confidently ran behind Nicole because he had a few training days before this. However, it did not take long for Nicole to surpass him by two laps. Like a gust of wind, she ran past Zeke with ease.When he finally finished the thirty laps, he found Nicole practicing martial arts without any equipment. Her hands and feet were moving around elegantly.Zeke stood aside and watched. 'This is what I want to learn!'Nicole was fast. While Zeke was still struggling, she was already at the end."Zeke," she said softly."Keep doing the task I gave you, and when I get back, I will teach you actual martial arts."Zeke nodded, but he soon realized something was wrong. "Wait, what do you mean? Where are you going, Nicole?"By then, Nicole had already picked up her bag and walked away dignifiedly."I will call you."Zeke was stunned as he looked
Vivian was satisfied when she heard people questioning Nicole's credibility.However, she still did not dare look her in the eyes. Vivian stared at the lower half of Nicole's face and said, "Just wait for the monthly exam results to come out, Nicole."Just when she was acting so arrogantly, a sneer came from behind."No matter what, Nicole has won an honor for our class. Before this, Northon Institute always won first place in the Math Olympiad. Now that Nicole has beat them, not only are you all not proud of her, but you're also coming up with conspiracy theories and saying that she cheated?" Jack said as he lazily leaned back.The class turned red when they heard those words."Yeah. Do all of you not know how smart Nicole is? She can solve those low-level math questions at a glance. That's why she got zero on the previous Math Olympiad. She was too lazy to write down the steps!" Lulu added."Those who are blinded by their ego do not deserve to see beauty in this world," June sa
"Vivian, stop talking about Nicole. What exactly are you doing every day other than framing, spying, and finding a way to alienate Nicole? How did you become like this?"Vivian looked at Oliver and sneered. "Did I frame and spy on her? Do you have proof? Oliver, stop shooting your mouth off here. Don't you forget, Nicole has despised all of you who couldn't beat her on the exam. Yet you still trust her and think I'm wrong about her."Oliver frowned. 'The students of the Royal Creek Institute have always been proud of ourselves. As much as I felt not too happy at hearing what Nicole said, she earned that on her own merit. After all, she won the gold medal in the Math Olympiad competition.'Vivian seemed to have read his mind and laughed sarcastically. She looked at Oliver calmly. "Didn't you go to the award and see how intimate Mr. Wyance treated Nicole that day? Who would believe there is no hanky-panky going on between them? Even Mr. Ellison, who was always impartial, defended Nico
'I knew Nicole cheated on the exam, and no way Gary would like such a person.' She did not think Nicole could even do well on the monthly exam.After all, Nicole did not know the test proctor, and Ms. Thompson and Mr. Kennedy must have kept an eye on her; she could not have had the opportunity to cheat."The first place this time is in our class, so Mr. Kennedy has gone to take a look at it."Vivian and even everyone else were stunned upon hearing Ms. Emerson's explanation.'How can it be? Norah has always been first in the grade for many years. The person who gets first place is from Class B this year? Who has snatched first place from Norah?'Gary's eyes glinted as he looked at Ms. Emerson and Nicole, who stood next to Ms. Emerson, motionless. He had been not too motivated and always been at the bottom of the barrel in exams. But Norah was competitive; she always wanted to get first place. But this time, it was not her.There were whispers around, seemingly discussing the issue
"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