"Not afraid? I'll see if you're scared." Nicole reached out and pinched Jared around the waist.There was a sudden knock on the door.Jared immediately put away his smile and sorted his attire before saying, "Come in.""Mr. Johnston, everyone is here.""Okay, you go first.""I have a meeting to attend." Jared looked reluctant to go."You get busy. I should go home too." Nicole stood up and walked out of the office with Jared.Back at the Riddle Mansion, she found there was a hive of activity there. While wondering why she walked straight inside.Damien, Dillon, and Dexter were all in the house."Daniel, we are here to congratulate you on behalf of Father for your successful bid," Damien said."Thank you. Our success has kind of made the entire Riddle family proud," Daniel said modestly."Daniel, I suppose it wasn't easy to win the tender bid, right?" Dexter asked."It's really difficult. There were many powerful companies bidding for it, and some rivals were trying to under
But Scott did not give up. "Nicole, it might be nothing big deal to you, but for me, you are the person who saved my father's life. I have no way to repay you but thank you in person. Give me a call later, and I will send someone to pick you and your family up."Nicole glanced back at her parents, who had the desire to go written all over their faces, and since Scott was so sincere and insistent, she agreed.After Nicole hung up the phone, Damien and the other two families became embarrassed by what they had said earlier. They felt like they had just got slapped in the face."Nicole, when did you save Mr. Harmon's life?" Damien asked curiously."Yeah. Why haven't I heard you say that before?" Karen questioned."I have just performed an operation on Mr. Harmon's father at the hospital," Nicole said nonchalantly."You know how to operate?" Everyone could not help but be surprised."Why so surprised?" Nicole did not want to talk about it and was ready to go upstairs to rest when Ka
"I'm not so good. It's been two days since I last received a video call from someone." Jared had a look of disappointment on his face."So you are here waiting for me?" Nicole chuckled. "I was just afraid to disturb you because you were so busy," Nicole explained."Really?" Jared was not so convinced."Really.""Okay, I forgive you.""Who needs your forgiveness?""By the way, the school holiday is coming soon. I'm thinking of going on a vacation. When will you be free?" Nicole had been in this city for a bit too long and wanted to travel around other cities."Soon I will be able to free up some time. The joint venture is on track now, and when things start on the track, I will spend time with you." Jared would also love to have more time to spend with her."That settles it. When I have time, I will go check out the city I want to visit.""Do you have somewhere you want to go?" Nicole looked over at him."No, I will go anywhere you go," Jared said a lovey-dovey line without hi
Sean was flattered and hastened to humble himself and praise Nicole. "It's mainly because Nicole knows Mr. Harmon. Otherwise, we wouldn't necessarily have won the tender, no matter how beautifully done the bid documents were.""You know Mr. Harmon?" Jared asked, looking over at Nicole in surprise."Do you remember when I saved an old gentleman in the hospital earlier?" Nicole helped Jared recall what had happened."I remember that.""That old gentleman is Mr. Harmon's father." After Nicole explained this, Jared immediately understood."Looks like you weren't wasting your time that day." Jared joked."What are you talking about? I didn't even know about the old gentleman's relationship with Mr. Harmon. Besides, I didn't save him because of Mr. Harmon." Nicole hurriedly explained herself, afraid that Jared would think it was a premeditated act."I know. I was just teasing you on purpose.""Aegis Corporation is still quite demanding, project-wise. If you need any help, just let me
"Hmm."The next day, Nicole came to school. People she met along the way, regardless of whether she knew them or not, greeted her. She got a little dizzy from having to nod her head constantly.When she entered the classroom, all the students, including Vivian, looked at her with even more respect than the days after the sports day.Nicole just thought it was strange and did not give it a second thought.During her lunch break, Nicole suddenly received a call from Martin."Hey, Nicole, are you free at noon? I have something to talk to you about." Martin sounded a little anxious."I'll meet you at the cafe in front of the school, then." Nicole hung up the phone and headed for the cafe.She sat in the cafe for a while before Martin arrived; he had driven as fast as he could."What's the rush to see me?" Nicole looked at him in puzzlement."I really have no choice but to come to you now.""Come on, tell me, what happened?""The results of my experiments are gone." Martin could
As Nicole walked and observed, she found that there were four surveillance cameras in the lab. All were pointing in different directions, one of which was pointing at the freezer.Nicole checked the freezer, and there was no sign that it had been broken into, showing that it was not an outside job."Who else can come into the lab besides you?""No one else has a key except me.""Are you sure?""I'm sure." Martin nodded affirmatively."Then it is hard to explain it. Since the key is with you, anyone who wants to come in must come to you to get the key. Without the key, they could only break in. But the doors and windows have no signs of being pried." Nicole said after examining the environment in the laboratory. "Are you sure you have carefully checked the security footage of these four surveillance cameras?"Martin nodded his head vigorously."Where are you going?" Martin saw Nicole heading out the door and thought she was leaving."I'm going to take a look outside." Nicole st
"How come I didn't see you when you came back?" Gloria looked at her tentatively."I didn't see you, either. Were you out for a walk?" Nicole could see that Gloria was hiding something from her, so she did not want to expose her."Oh, yeah. I just got back from a walk." Gloria said with an embarrassed smile. 'Fortunately, Nicole didn't see me. Otherwise, how am I going to explain to her?'"Are you guys having a school semester break soon?" Gloria changed the topic quickly."It seems like it's close.""With the semester break coming, do you and Jared have any plans?" Gloria thought for sure they would take advantage of the semester break to spend time with one another."Haven't thought about it yet. Mom, do you have any plans?" Nicole asked rhetorically."I don't have any plans. I will stay at home with your father." Gloria had a bored look on her face."I suggest you and Dad get an RV and travel around the world. It's especially cool to think about it." Nicole said longingly as
Nicole was instantly stunned when she opened it. It turned out that Gloria not only transferred half a million dollars to Nicole, but after that, she had further transferred money to Norah several times, and the amount was close to a million dollars in total.Looking at the messages, Nicole would not continue to sit by idly. If things were allowed to continue, Gloria's bank account would be emptied in no time. It was time for her to intervene.After washing up, Nicole went downstairs for breakfast and school as usual. No one in the family could see what was on Nicole's mind.Nicole did not go to her class but walked into Norah's classroom. Norah was about to say something. But Nicole slapped her twice in the face before she could say a word."Nicole, how dare you hit me?" Norah pointed at her with both shock and aggrievement."You're no longer a part of the Riddle family. Why are you still asking my mother for money?" Nicole scolded.Norah looked at Nicole with alarm, wondering h
"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