"Fat job? Of course, I'm interested. But how fat can it be?" Zeke had not had a job in a long time."If it works out, you will get five million dollars." Nicole was ready to give him half."Five million dollars? Did I hear you right? I haven't gotten such a fat job for a long time.""What's the assignment? Send it over so I can take a look." Zeke could not wait."I will send it to you in a minute."His phone buzzed, and he received a message from Nicole.'Hacking the intranet?' Zeke smiled. This kind of job was a piece of cake for him. He immediately messaged Nicole back. [I will take this job.][Good. Find a time to meet some other day. You study it for a few days and text me if you have questions.] Nicole replied.[Okay.]With that, Nicole closed her laptop and went downstairs to see if her parents had returned from their walk. When she got downstairs, she saw the person whom she least wanted to see instead of seeing Daniel and Gloria.Without even talking to her, Nicole we
Gloria hurriedly pulled her back. "What's the hurry? Stay for dinner, and then only go."Since she last reprimanded Nicole at school, Gloria clearly felt that her relationship with Nicole was drifting apart little by little because of Norah.Nicole gave up upon seeing her mother's reluctance to see her go. "Okay."Gloria and Daniel breathed a sigh of relief and smiled in unison.She sat in the middle of the couch with Nicole on her left and Norah on her right."Norah, has school been preparing for finals lately?" Gloria asked with concern."Yeah, now I'm studying and doing mock-up questions every day. It's killing me." Norah complained."That's tiring. Do you want to take a day off to rest?" Gloria was afraid that the pressure would be too much and wear Norah out."I have taken a day off and want to go out tomorrow to unwind," Norah said, seemingly unintentionally, but her eyes glanced at Nicole."Mom, is Sean going with you to Mr. Harmon's house tomorrow?" Norah asked."Sean
"Is that okay?" Norah looked over at her with a delighted expression."Of course. You're my goddaughter." Gloria assured her."Ahem."Daniel cleared his throat to remind Gloria, who immediately looked at him. After seeing his expression, she hurriedly turned her eyes to Nicole. "Is it okay to bring an extra person tomorrow?"Nicole had long guessed what Norah was up to. She had been planning this from the beginning, and Gloria had walked right into it, becoming her tool."Mom, it's our first time going to Mr. Harmon's house. It is not good and proper to bring someone he doesn't know to see him without his permission." Nicole was worried about Norah getting her into trouble."Mr. Harmon didn't invite Sean either, yet you still ask him to tag along. So why can't Norah?" Gloria argued for Norah."Sean has met Mr. Harmon before, and he is the head of the project. That is why I have suggested Sean go with me to promote cooperation between the two families. Even Steve didn't get to go
Nicole went into the kitchen, picked what Jared liked to eat, and quickly cooked it. About half an hour later, Jared's car pulled into the villa.Seeing the lights on inside the villa, Jared knew Nicole was back. He walked into the house, but there was no sign of Nicole."That's odd. She clearly said she would wait for me. Why is no one here?" It was only when he continued to walk inside that he heard sounds in the kitchen.Letting out a smug smile, he reached to push open the kitchen door and quietly approached Nicole before hugging her tightly from behind."Yikes." Nicole was so focused on cooking that she did not even hear Jared's footsteps. It startled her when he hugged her from behind."When did you get back without even making a sound?" Nicole snapped."I just got back. Are you cooking for me?" Jared asked, still hugging her."What do you think? If you don't let go of me, you won't have any dinner.""Are you threatening me?" Jared spoke softly into her ear."Okay, go wa
Jared gently stroked her delicate hands, stood up, and carried Nicole directly to the sofa before gently setting her down, climbing over her, and looking at her lustrous eyes, fair skin, and rosy lips. He could not resist the temptation and kissed her fervently. Hat first, he thought Nicole would push him away. But she did not. Instead, she met his action, which fired him up even further, and he kissed her even more voraciously.The two kissed passionately on the couch for a long time before Nicole pulled apart a little and said, "Let me get some air."She looked at the handsome man, admiring his beauteously sharp face. Nicole felt that she must have been bewitched to like him so much.Jared locked eyes with her fondly, one hand caressing her hair. "You're beautiful."Nicole's already ruddy cheeks instantly blushed even more. "I hate you.""Let's go to the bedroom." Jared smiled as he carried Nicole into his arms once again and headed upstairs.Early the next morning, Jared kisse
Just as she expected it, Sean and others arrived in his car within a few minutes. After the car was parked, Nicole walked up to them."Dad, Mom, don't you guys think you are overdressed?" Nicole was surprised when she saw them."It is called respect. We are meeting Mr. Harmon for the first time." Daniel explained."Miss Riddle, this way, please." The family butler came over to usher them."Thank you." Nicole and the others followed the family butler inside.Scott, his wife, and his father had been waiting for a long time. When he saw Nicole and her family walk in, Scott got up to welcome them."Miss Riddle, you have come at last. If you didn't come, my father would have rebuked me." Scott joked humorously."Mr. Harmons, you two are so kind. Healing patients is my job." Nicole was modest, and she was not asking for anything in return."Miss Riddle has high medical ethics. Please make yourself at home, just considering that you're visiting a friend." Scott had a smile on his face
"This is the gold card for all the clubs under my name. From now on, you can go to those clubs as you please without having to pay anything." Scott handed the limited-edition gold card to the butler, who handed it to Nicole."Mr. Harmon, thank you for your hospitality, but I can't accept this." Nicole came to the banquet today because she did not want Scott to keep remembering about her saving her father's life. She just did not expect him to give her a gold card out of the blue."Compared to your medical ethics, a card is nothing. You are looking down on me if you don't accept it."Nicole never thought Scott would say such things just to make her accept the gold card.Everyone looked at Nicole with awkwardness. Gloria defused the sticky situation by telling Nicole, "I can see that Mr. Harmon really wants to give you a gift. If you don't accept it, won't you disappoint Mr. Harmon?"Nicole looked at Gloria and knew that if she did not accept the gold card, she would not be able to
Jared's office had a perfect view of the sea, making it an ideal spot for sea viewing.After a while, Jared came in from outside. Seeing Nicole sitting with her back to him, he immediately walked with quiet steps, tiptoeing to the window, and swooped in to hug her. But he missed."How dare you trick me?" Jared clamped his grip on Nicole's wrist and yanked her into his arms.Nicole had heard the door open when Jared came in, but she deliberately did not turn around. Instead, she wanted to lure him in. At the moment he was ready to pounce on her, she quickly ducked."Who told you to always sneak up on me?""What are you looking at?" Jared asked dotingly as he hugged Nicole and looked at her side face."I'm looking at the sea."Jared followed her eyes; the vastness of the ocean was truly aspirational."How does Mr. Harmon's estate feel?" Jared asked."How did you know it was an estate that I had gone to?" Nicole's eyes narrowed as she studied him."How can I not know your wherea
"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