Nicole looked at his empty paper. He had gotten the only multiple-choice question he had answered wrong. She could not help but frown.Austin saw her looking at her paper and hurriedly reached to cover it, his face turning red."Boss, don't look at it. I started this from scratch and had learned nothing before.""Come to the café after school and ask me anything that you don't know." Studying in the class was prone to drawing unwanted attention, not as convenient as studying outside.Nicole did not look at Austin's expression but left with Lulu.His underlings behind him also saw this and looked at each other for a moment, and then a bold one poked at Austin and asked, "Austin, what is our boss doing here? What did she tell you that makes you look so stupid?"Austin raised his fist the moment he heard the boy calling him stupid, wanting to beat him. The boy immediately raised his hands begging for forgiveness and asked brazenly, "Austin, please tell us what she has said. After al
Except for her achievement in the Math Olympiad, Nicole had nothing to show in other areas.But Austin had no qualms about accepting Nicole's offer, and that made Raine angry. Austin was in the same grade as her, who was sitting in front of them and the top student in 12th grade. Austin had snubbed her by doing that.She sneered when thinking of this. "I admire Nicole's courage. She herself was at the bottom of the barrel yet wanted to give Austin tuition. She should have more self-awareness."Raine echoed. "Yeah, she is really audacious enough to do that. Let's wait and see how she embarrasses herself."Gary had no appetite and felt depressed when the thought of the bet between Nicole and Mr. Kennedy came to mind. The Math Olympiad would be held one day before the monthly exam, so his time was tight. With this thought in mind, Gary stood up, ignored Raine, who was still talking to herself and left the caféteria with his bag.Raine looked melancholily at Gary and stomped her feet
Nicole heard him say this and slowly looked back at him. There was no emotion in her upturned eyes as if she just wanted to see who he really was.Bradley, who was next to them, stood up. "Who do you say is cold-blooded? The last time Nicole and I were attacked by Cain, I saw a few of you nearby. Did you guys come over to help us? If it weren't for Nicole, I might still be lying in the hospital. What has she done to you that makes you want to accuse her of being cold-blooded and violent?"Jack looked speechlessly at Bradley. It was really their fault last time. Nicole might have first said that she did not need their protection, but they should not have sat by and done nothing while watching their classmates being beaten up.Seeing that everyone in the class was all looking at her, the class monitor frowned, stood up, and maintained orders. "Bradley, just shut up, would you? Jack, you sit down, too."After Jack sat down, Bradley was indignant. Apparently, it was Jack who provoked N
With that said and disregarding whether Gary had understood what she said, Nicole pulled back her hands from the table and walked slowly back to her place.The entire class was silent.Gary looked at Nicole's back. Even if she leaned back lazily, her back was still straight, unlike the pretentious pride of Raine and Snow. Nicole's pride was not showy but subtle and in her bones. But her pride could be felt in her behavior, look, and action.Maybe he was indeed wrong this time. But when thinking of Nicole's zero-score test paper, a determined look appeared in Gary's eyes again.Mr. Louis had once said that Nicole was talented, and he would not want Nicole to be barred from taking part in the Math Olympiad competition from now on.He must help her win the bet.Thinking of this, Gary glanced at Nicole and then said coldly to Jack, "You come with me."Jack looked at Gary in bafflement, wondering if he had offended him. After Gary and Jack left, the class fell into a dead silence.I
Mr. Kennedy was triumphant as if he had seen Nicole lose her bet.Mr. Kennedy swagged out of the office, thinking that Ms. Emerson would let him taunt her and say nothing, just like she would previously. But he was wrong this time. Ms. Emerson said faintly from behind him, "Mr. Kennedy, you don't have to worry about how my students are doing. Nicole has the freedom to choose, and I will not interfere. However, there is one thing I am curious about you, Mr. Kennedy. Can't you even afford a cup of coffee? Otherwise, why would you always come to my office for coffee?"Getting taunted by Ms. Emerson, Mr. Kennedy looked back and pointed at her angrily. "How dare you satirize me! You had better believe I will tell the director—"Ms. Emerson was sitting at her desk, looking at him frostily, her face nonchalant when she heard him mention the director.She had thought it through. Instead of grinning and bearing it every day, she might as well send the helve after the hatchet and resign.Mr
Everyone thought Nicole would stop when Harvey called out her name. It turned out that Nicole not only did not stop but also walked even faster.Nicole frowned, and she saw the staircase up ahead packed with people wanting to get a glimpse of Harvey. "Please give way. Thank you."These people just looked at her in astonishment, and they gave no response after hearing her words. It was as if her disregard for Harvey had stunned them.While Nicole looked impatiently at these people blocking her way,Harvey had come up from behind, while Snow could barely keep up. It was clear that Snow had lost pace in catching up with Harvey.She was almost being left behind by Harvey in front of everyone's eyes, and this was an even greater shame than screwing up her deportment. Snow looked at Nicole with bitter eyes.Harvey also looked at Nicole, his eyes filled with unspeakable emotion. It had been a long time since he last lost himself in pursuing someone. He now did not even get a response fro
After saying her piece, she ignored the stunned Harvey Ellison and furious Snow Riddle as she took Lulu with her.This time, no one dared to stop her. After all, Harvey Ellison in a stupor. If he could not do anything to Nicole, then who else can deal with her? As they watched Nicole leaving just like that, everyone had a complicated look in their eyes.‘What did Nicole said to Harvey, so much so that he was stunned silly?’ They wondered.Even Snow was totally puzzled, and as she watched Harvey stood there looking at Nicole taking Lulu away, her temper flared as she roared, "Harvey, are you just letting them go like that?"Harvey was lost in thought at Nicole's words. She actually dared bring grandpa up. What relationship does she have with him? "Harvey! I'm talking to you here!" Seeing that he was still in a stupor, Snow got agitated.Harvey lost his patience and swept a chilly gaze at her. With that gaze alone, it made her feel like she had fallen into an ice cavern. Was
When he heard Mr. Ellison asked him that, a chilly intent appeared in Harvey's eyes.He really did not expect his grandfather to bring her up before he even asked him about her.But he quickly snapped back as he shook his head and said gently, "Why would I? It's just that there's some misunderstanding between Nicole and Snow. Since the girls were unable to resolve it themselves, I got called over to mediate things."Mr. Ellison listened and then nodded, "That's good. You've met Nicole today. What do you think of her?"Thinking of Nicole, Harvey looked at Mr. Ellison and smiled, "I've met her. But she didn't speak much, so I didn't get to know her."Mr. Ellison hesitated for a moment, but he also knew that Harvey was telling the truth. Nicole was indeed rather distant in normal times, "Yes, although she may be indifferent, but once you get to know her, you'll find out that she's a very kind girl." Of course, she was skilled in martial arts too.Mr. Ellison however did not know tha
"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