"Nicole..."'It's that woman!' 'It's because of her that I ended up like this!''I will not let her go just like that!'On the other side, Simon rushed over after receiving a call from Rhein. Looking at the mess before him, he turned to Rhein in surprise, only to find the latter's red hair was all gone as if he had been blown up by something.Looking at the shocked Simon, Rhein no longer had the high and mighty look to him. After a string of expletives, he walked over and grabbed Simon by the collar as he yelled."You bastard! You dare fool me with a fake blueprint?!"Being grabbed, Simon's face turned green as he suffocated a little. He then looked at Rhein's twisted face as he shouted with extreme difficulty."What's wrong with you? Let me go!"Rhein looked at the ugly face and sneered. "I never thought that you would have the balls to deceive me. Are you not afraid that I'll expose what you've done?"Simon was scared witless by Rhein's menacing look as he looked at the latt
"Bullshit! There's no problem with my blueprint! It's you not letting me supervise the work that caused this! Remember all those Mobile Armors you made earlier? Each of them was garbage! Do you think I'm happy with you? If you want to die, go die alone!"Rhein looked at Simon before him as he sneered. His left hand held the rather heavy submachine gun, and his right pulled out another handgun from who knows where. He then quickly pressed it onto Simon's forehead as he hissed. "Are you going or not?"Simon's neck stiffened. He wanted to say no, but with Rhein's handgun pressed against his head, he immediately relented as he went. "I'll go! I'll go, okay!"It only then did Rhein nod with satisfaction. "Yes, he who makes the mess cleans up the mess. Now go. Toss that grenade where it can blow it up. If you come back alive, I'll be sure to find a way to make you the master of the Turmann family!"At this point, Simon had never regretted his cooperation with Rhein more than now. Yet the
Seeing that the monster was clearly drawn away by Simon's scream, a gleeful look appeared in his eyes. Rhein immediately tried to draw a distance between him and Simon, and the monster should go back to pursue the easier prey.Sure enough, the monster once again changed its target and rushed towards Simon.Simon was indolent and very slow. He was panting and wheezing as he ran for his life, yet the monster was closing in on him evermore. He could hear it behind him as he tumbled onto the ground and quietly waited for his doom.However, at that very moment, a violent burst of gunfire suddenly rang out, hitting the ground behind Simon and stopping the monster in its tracks.Rhein looked at the man at the door as an excited gleam appeared in his eyes. "Sliver, you're finally here!"Simon also looked over. To his surprise, he found that it was troops in regular military uniform standing before him. There were quite a number of them, a regiment at least, and they came prepared.Hearin
Sliver saw how impervious the monster was to damage too. Even a torrent of lead could only rattle its armor and seemingly did no damage to it. On the contrary, every time the monster grasped or stomped, a large group would fall without any means to fight back.Sliver's expression turned more and more sullen. 'If this goes on, forget a regiment. Even an army may not be able to deal with this monster!'Looking at the Federals were almost wiped out, a look of fear appeared in Simon's eyes. He, who had thought he was saved, sank into even deeper despair, and he turned to flee outside.This time, Rhein did not stop him. His expression, too, had turned grim, and a tinge of fear appeared in his eyes, wanting to flee.Sliver looked at the metal monster that seemingly knew no fatigue and frowned hard. However, he was much calmer than the two as he turned towards Simon and coldly asked. "You are a Turmann. You should know what its weakness is, right?"Sliver's train of thought was that he n
The two of them were exhausted, and their only escape was locked, with the monster closing in behind them. As expected of Sliver, he did not intend to let them live.After all, he was representing the Federation, and the Intercontinental Party's interest was the most paramount. Simon and Rhein not only did not help him deal with the Turmann family and the JJ Johnston Group, but instead, they caused him to lose so many men, not to mention this monstrosity. It was trouble upon trouble, each of them massive ones.Of course Sliver would want them dead.The two heard the sound of the monster trudging behind them and saw that it was barely a few meters away from them, so they closed their eyes.They were done for.Rhein's eyes were bloodshot as he patted Simon on the shoulder. There was no longer that weird tone in his voice as a lament took its place."I never thought that I would die together with you."He took a deep breath and continued, "When I was young, I thought that I must ov
The men under Jared's command had struck him in a way he could not see and disarmed him without a sound, and then used his own gun against him.When Sliver recalled what happened earlier, his eyes shrank as he wanted to rip Jared apart."I will kill you. Mark my words."He had brought so many men over, and yet he could do nothing to Jared at all.Aside from the last time when he was just that close to killing this powerful man, to make him pay for the power he wielded, Janus could see what he was thinking and gave Sliver a kick in the back as he hissed coldly. "How many years have you been scheming and plotting against the JJ Johnston Group? Have you ever succeeded? Sliver looked at Janus as a look of mockery flashed across his cold eyes. "Stop joking. Without S, you'd all be dead."Rhein also thought the same as he looked at Jared with a look of jealousy and resentment.Janus frowned a little as he was impatient with the crowd. He twirled his hair as he said, "You sure don't k
Janus looked at their faces and added. "What's scariest about Boss is his martial ability."Rhein and Sliver watched on as Jared gently moved his wrist. His long fingers seemingly possessed powers unimaginable as he twirled a dagger in them. The dagger looked extremely thin and was just a tad bit longer than a normal one. He raised his hand a little and the dazzling dark purple crystal inlaid on the hilt radiated a cold yet alluring glint.He then sank it straight into the monster's body.Rhein had just wanted to laugh that this was pointless and could not affect the monster at all. Yet, reality soon turned to slap him in the face as he saw a deep gnash at the back of the knee where Jared had stabbed it, and it was unsteady like a person with a wounded leg!'How could that be?!'Sliver also had a look of shock in his eyes. He had seen that his men's weaponry could do nothing to the monster at all, and yet, Jared managed to wound the monster with just a dagger.The monster seeming
Jared grabbed the monster's neck tightly with one hand and let out a smile after sensing its struggle."So it's here."He put some strength into his leg and immediately leaped up. Jared landed straight onto the monster's back. The dagger in his hand gleamed in cold light as it fell and "decapitated" the monster.Unlike humans, who will bleed, the monster's neck was full of dense nervous cables. The fragile cables were hidden beneath its thick steel armor. As its head armor and body armor were almost connected together, it was as if the designer had chosen this design to ensure the weakness was exposed last.Everyone looked on in a daze as the massive monster used its mutilated fingers to grab the back of its neck as its mountain-like body shuddered and collapsed onto the ground. As it had lost one of its legs, its rickety appearance was particularly terrifying. Everyone else fled backward for fear of being crushed by it.Amidst the sizzling sound of the electric current, the black
"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