"What is there to say? We bid on our own merits." Nicole instantly poured cold water on Sean's suggestion.Immediately, a leader from Aegis Corporation came on stage to say some words of thanks, and then a staff member read out the bid evaluation principles and things to note before he proclaimed the start of the bidding process."The bidding has now officially started."The person in charge of the project walked up to the stage and started introducing the project. "The above is the content of this project."Next, a staff member confirmed that all the bidders were present and then went through some more procedures."It is the bid opening time."Harvey looked at Nicole and reassured her. "Don't be nervous. We'll get it.""I'm not nervous. It's just too boring to sit here." Nicole gave an unexpected reply.After the bid opening and quoting, the project manager made the last announcement. "The winning bid for the Aegis Corporation project goes to Riddle Corporation."Sean and Har
"Jared?" The moment she saw Jared, her mood instantly improved."What brings you here?" Nicole looked at him."Of course, to keep you company." Jared took her hand in his."I heard the sports day was a success, and you're now a celebrity at school." Jared looked at her dotingly."The sports day was really quite successful, but I'm not as famous as you say." Nicole remained modest in front of Jared."You know, that's what I appreciate about you; a very humble mind, no matter how much you've done." Jared had not realized that he was still complimenting her."I learned that from you." Nicole quipped."By the way, there's something happy I want to tell you." Nicole looked at him with excitement."Oh? Tell me about it.""We got the Aegis Corporation project."Jared nodded. "A merry thing indeed, but I have something even happier to tell you."Nicole did not expect this. "What other happy things?""About our engagement, of course."Nicole looked at Jared and blushed. "This is so
Vivian, standing among the crowd, was stunned to see what had happened. She had also picked a sight with Nicole before; fortunately, Nicole was forgiving.Joyce also did not expect Nicole to be so badass, so much so that even the professional bodyguards she hired were no match for Nicole. So she fled at the first available opportunity.Spencer and Samuel knew Nicole knew some self-defense techniques, but they did not expect her skills to be so terrific. Seeing Joyce and those men in black were gone, they hurriedly brought Nicole back to the Riddle Mansion.Once at home, the three of them tacitly agreed that none of them would mention what had just happened in front of the school.Gloria saw them coming back and called out to them. "You guys have come back at the right time. Come over for dinner."They all sat down and started to dig in when the doorbell rang."Who could it be at this time?" Gloria looked at Daniel in confusion."Why are you looking at me? You will know soon.""
After the meal, Harvey chatted with Daniel and the others on the couch for a while, while Nicole sat on the side, quietly watching TV and not saying another word to Harvey the whole time.Seeing that it was getting dark, Harvey got up and excused himself. Gloria looked at Nicole and said, "Go see Harvey out."Nicole had no choice but to put down the remote control and see Harvey out.When he came to the doorway, Harvey wanted to talk to her about playing tennis. But Nicole spoke first before he could. "Now that the tender is over and Sean is in charge of the follow-up of the project, you can go to his office and talk to him and don't have to come to the Riddle Mansion anymore."Harvey got the hint and challenged her. "What if I don't?""Try me." Nicole's eyes turned cold instantly.Harvey was upset and glanced at Nicole. "I will let you know I'm better than him." With that, he left.Nicole returned to the living room, and Gloria pulled Nicole to one side. "How are you and Harvey
"Yes."After an unknown amount of time, Jared woke up from bed and pushed open the door. He heard the sound of cooking downstairs, thinking it was Max in the kitchen, and headed downstairs.Jared was surprised to see a table full of food when he came to the dining room. "I didn't know you could cook.""You're awake?" Nicole heard his voice and came out with the finished dish.At the sound of a familiar voice, Jared turned and looked into the kitchen with surprise on his face. "Nicole? What are you doing here?""If I don't come, someone might be exhausted," Nicole spoke with both anger and heartfelt exasperation."Aren't you here now? And you have cooked so many dishes." Jared was happy to see Nicole, and the fatigue in his body went away."I hope you like it.""Did you make all this?" Jared looked at the table full of dishes with surprise."Yeah. I cooked them all according to the online tutorial. Before that, I could only cook some simple dishes for my grandma. This is the fi
"Here we are. I'm going up now." Jared stroked her hand."As important as work is, your body is more important," Nicole said with concern."Hmm."As soon as Jared got out of the car, Chloe came over. "Jared, you have finally come. I've been waiting for you."They did not expect to bump into Chloe downstairs. Nicole got out of the car and stood next to Jared. When Chloe saw Nicole, she could not help but mock her. "Look who is here. It's Jared's fiancée coming to the office, keeping a close eye on Jared. Are you worried?"Nicole glanced at Jared. "I'm not worried about him, but those annoying women who steal other women's partners."Chloe was blue in the face. She did not expect that Nicole, whom she remembered as too honest to talk to, would dare to call her that."You've grown up now and dare to talk to your cousin like that, eh?" Chloe looked at her with great displeasure."Looks like you still remember you're from the Riddle family, so don't embarrass yourself here." Nicole
"What's wrong with women? Does Johnston Group disallow women in the company? Isn't the one standing next to you also a woman?" Nicole misunderstood and thought he was discriminating against women.'You—"Without waiting for Murphy to say anything, Jared brought Nicole to walk past him.Murphy looked at the two holding hands and was fit to be tied. "This is so ridiculous."When they came to Jared's office, Jared made her a cup of coffee."You still make the best coffee." Nicole complimented him."Sit down for a while. I have a meeting to attend, and I will be back soon," Jared said. Had he not had to attend a meeting, he would have stayed here to spend more time with her."Go get busy. Don't let me hold up your work, or I'll leave.""Okay, wait for me." With that, Jared took the files and went out.About ten minutes after Jared left, Henry pushed open the door to Jared's office with Chloe in tow.Nicole thought it was Jared who had returned and was just about to say hello when
Chloe was transfixed in her place. Am I not here to seek justice for myself? How come it ends up with me having to apologize?'Seeing Chloe freeze, Henry reminded her. "What are you thinking? Apologize to Mr. Johnston."Only then did Chloe snap back and look at Jared with reluctance."No need to apologize to me. Apologize to this, Ms. Riddle." Jared looked at Nicole.Henry spoke up for Chloe. "It's inappropriate, isn't it? She's a popular actress, after all. How can she apologize to a student?""Inappropriate? I think it's appropriate," Jared said with a not-to-be-questioned tone of voice.Henry took a breath and gave Chloe a wink.Chloe looked at Nicole with great reluctance before squeezing out an apology with difficulty. "I'm sorry if I have done something wrong, Miss. Riddle."Nicole glanced at her and said, "Stop doing something that you know would offend the others next time. Or else it will be you who will bear the consequences."'How dare this brat wants to lecture me
"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