"Nicole, it is not too late for you to admit it, and it's not a shame to apologize to Grandpa in public.""You won't be the only one to be embarrassed if you are exposed later." Chloe climbed on her high horse and swept her eyes at Nicole and then at Mrs. Wallace Sr.Nicole smirked and asked rhetorically, "Chloe, if you admit it now, I can plead for you in front of grandpa. Grandpa is in a good mood today. Maybe he won't punish you heavily. If not, you won't be the only one to lose face later."Chloe did not expect Nicole to ask her back, her heart skipping a beat, and she quickly adjusted her state of mind. She had hidden the real diamond, and no one knew where it was except her. So she thought Nicole must be bluffing."Nicole, I think you're drunk without drinking. Since you suspect me, prove it to everyone." Chloe challenged Nicole, knowing that she had no proof."Okay, at first, I did not want to say anything. But since you have asked for it, I will make it happen." Nicole loo
"Oh, so you were wearing flip-flops that day."Chloe looked at Nicole's expression, feeling as if she had been tricked."You're right. It really wasn't you who covered your face; it was you who was on the phone at the pillar."Everyone followed Nicole's lead and looked at the person next to the pillar in the footage. Even with the sunglasses on, they could easily identify Chloe, given their familiarity with her."Chloe, were you really on the phone there?" Miley, who loved her the most, spoke up to guide her."Yeah, I was on the phone there talking to my manager." Chloe lied as she picked up Miley's signal."It's okay if you don't admit it. Let's keep watching." Nicole looked over at the family butler.The video continued. For days on end, Chloe had been on the phone at the pillar, and then it was her pretending as if she ran into Nicole by chance and asking her to deliver the diamond."That is all the video for now. I'm sure you all have questions in your mind after watching i
"Chloe has a keen eye and recognized her handbag at first glance." Nicole smiled as she saw Chloe's expression change."What handbag? I don't know what you're talking about." Chloe did not dare look Nicole in the eye. She became evasive and threw the phone straight onto the table.It was only after Nicole reminded everyone that they noticed the handbag in the picture. "This bag looks familiar. I think I've seen Chloe carrying it," Raine said without thinking, and her remark instantly drew everyone's attention."Why are you all looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?" Raine asked out of fear."No, you're quite right. Even Raine can see that. Can't Auntie Miley see that?" Nicole turned around and pointed at her eldest aunt."I-I haven't seen Chloe carry it." Miley's voice reeked of a guilty conscience. "If I'm not mistaken, the handbag is at Chloe's house right now, but I don't have time to go that far to get it for everyone, so I have another photo to show you here.
Everyone else complained about Nicole."Nicole is qualified to say that. After all, she is the victim. I think this matter is at Nicole's disposal." Mr. Riddle Sr. let Nicole decide Chloe's fate."Dad, how can you let a junior—"Mr. Riddle Sr. glared at Damien, and he immediately shut up. When the others at the table saw Damien was afraid to speak up, they did not dare to intercede on Chloe's behalf. They looked at Nicole to see what she would do to Chloe.Nicole swept her eyes across the faces of everyone, and they all looked at her, feeling angry but afraid to speak out. She then took a box out of her pocket, opened it, and placed it in front of Mr. Riddle Sr. A brilliant Dresden Green Diamond was reflected in his pupils, and everyone present froze in their seats."Isn't it at Chloe's place? How did it end up with you?" Karen could not believe her eyes."Yeah, Nicole, what's going on?" Everyone was completely baffled."I prepared things in advance in case Chloe destroyed the e
Nicole got up and headed straight for the boarding gate while Harvey followed like an attendant.On the plane, Nicole still said not a word to him except to listen to music or to rest, occasionally looking out at the clouds.Harvey could not resist and spoke. "I hear the Aegis Corporation seminar is quite large. We can take this opportunity to socialize with the officers of multinational corporations.""Okay, you go ahead," Nicole said, and her reply bewildered him. But he was still happy because it was the first thing she had said to him all the time she had been on the plane."Okay, but I'm in charge of Ellison Group, and you need to represent Riddle Corporation." Harvey reminded her."In that case, just mind your own business. I don't need you to worry about mine."After getting snubbed again, Harvey leaned back in his chair, feeling dejected, as if having nothing to live for. That was it; no more conversation between the two of them until they got off the plane."Miss Riddle
Out of the hotel, Nicole waved down a taxi and got in. Harvey was just about to get in, too, when Nicole stopped him. "What are you doing?""Out and about with you, of course." Harvey looked at her with a stunned expression."I have got something on. Do your own shopping," Nicole said as she mercilessly closed the car door and then told the driver to drive off.Harvey was dumbfounded in his spot. 'What the hell? She has gone off by herself?'He quickly waved down another taxi, got in, and told the driver, "Follow that taxi in front of you."After the taxi drove on for a while, Nicole noticed a taxi following her behind. She knew it was Harvey and said to the driver, "Change of plan. Go to the central business district."The taxi stopped at the shopping street, and Nicole headed inside a mall. Harvey hurriedly told the driver to stop and then quickly got out of the car. Seeing Nicole enter the mall, he looked around and followed. "Why make going to the mall such a mystery?"Then
"Forget it. I'd better talk to Zane and come back and fight alongside you guys." Instead of worrying about them on a daily basis, it would be better to go back to the organization and join them in their missions."It's better for you to stay at home. I might be formidable with you by my side, but I will worry about you. Unlike now, when I can face the enemy with no worries." Carl expressed his thoughts implicitly to Nicole."Heh, when have I ever needed you to worry? It is all about me worrying about you, okay?" Nicole shot him a look."How many days will you be here?" Nicole looked at Carl with lustrous eyes."Without incident, it should be three more days before I go to the next factory," Carl said with a serious face.Nicole nodded. "I'm supposed to be on a flight in three days, too, so we can still meet up if you haven't left by then.""Sure. Keep in touch.""Keep in touch. I'm leaving now." Nicole and Carl gave each other a hug, and she left in style. After returning to t
"Yup.""So how come you didn't tell me?" Nicole suddenly turned back to give him a sidelong glance before continuing to walk forward."I'm sorry. I thought Sean had told you," Harvey said humbly.An usher was waiting in the lobby. When she saw Nicole and Harvey walk in, she came up to greet them. "Miss Riddle, Mr. Ellison, this way, please."The usher led Nicole and Harvey to the meeting room, which was already full of people talking. Seeing Nicole walk in, Scott came over to greet her. "Miss Riddle, did you have a good rest yesterday?""Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Harmon, for your hospitality," Nicole said politely."Don't mention it. It's a great honor for me to have you here for the seminar. This way, please." Scott made a gesture of invitation and guided Nicole to the middle seat. "Quiet, everyone. This is Miss Riddle I was telling you about." Scott introduced Nicole to everyone.Silence fell in the conference room as people looked at Nicole and cast admiring glances."Miss Riddle
"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