"What's up?" Lulu asked, seeing Nicole's worried look."I think that car following us looks suspicious," Nicole remarked, eyeing a car discreetly."Where?"Lulu began to look but Nicole warned, "Don't show we've noticed."Lulu nodded seriously, "Got it."Lulu quietly asked Nicole, "What should we do?""Just be careful for now," Nicole suggested, staying alert."Got it," Lulu nodded, her expression turning more vigilant.Although she didn't know what was happening, she felt confident that following Nicole's lead was the right decision.Nicole then instructed the driver, "Let's head back to the company first.""Yes, Ms. Riddle." The driver responded and accelerated toward Riddle Corporation.Back at the company, Nicole and Lulu had just alighted from the car when Patricia returned as well."Ms. Riddle," Patricia approached them."Why are you back so soon?" Lulu asked, somewhat puzzled."All the work at BayCorp has been handed over clearly, so I came back," Patricia replied.

Nicole understood Lulu and Patricia's worries, but she wasn't too concerned. She knew about Lawrence's past deeds and felt in control.At first, she respected Lawrence because she thought she owed him for saving her life. But after discovering it was all manipulation, she stopped worrying about that debt.Knowing Lawrence was after the Fire Crest and Water Crest, and probably had already acted, Nicole chose to wait and see what would happen. She knew soon it would be clear who the winner or loser would be.After leaving Nicole's office, Lulu turned to Patricia."Patricia, you're staying to protect Nicole. What about Ellar, aren't you going back there?" Lulu asked."My primary duty is here, and everything at BayCorp has stabilized; they don't need me there anymore," Patricia replied, her priority clearly being Nicole's safety at the moment."And what about you and Ellar? What's going on with you two?" Lulu probed further."Us?" Patricia bit her lip slightly, "There's nothing goin

Doretta nodded, understanding that Patricia and Charlie had also been through tough times. Fortunately, through their own efforts, they had supported each other and made it to this point.Emma glanced at the time and suggested, "It's about time; let's talk over dinner.""Sure," everyone agreed, standing up and heading to the dining room.After a lively dinner, Patricia and Doretta said their goodbyes and left.Ellar was a bit sad as he watched Patricia and Doretta walk away together, refusing his offer to escort them. He had been happy when Patricia agreed to come with him, but now he wondered if she only came because of Doretta, which made him feel more alone.After they left, Patricia and Doretta didn't go their separate ways. They found a quiet spot."Is there something else?" Doretta checked their surroundings before she spoke."It's about Ms. Riddle..." Patricia then briefly explained the situation that had unfolded earlier in the day and cautioned, "I know you're investiga

Nicole nodded, understanding the situation. "So that's what happened."She had been curious about how Patricia came to meet Doretta, and it turned out Doretta had gone to see Emma."Also, I found out about the two guys from yesterday; they are Lawrence's men. They didn't have any specific task except to follow you. I think they were just probing," Patricia said with a dark look in her eyes."Lawrence must be planning to make a move," Nicole remarked, her expression somber. She knew that his decision to have her followed was partly to test the waters and partly as a precaution.Even if she showed no reaction, he would not wait indefinitely; he was probably ready to act."What should we do then?" Patricia asked, her expression turning serious, sensing they might need to prepare for Lawrence's next moves."Leave it to Charlie and the others. We should continue as if nothing is amiss on our part," Nicole instructed, feeling that they should observe the situation quietly. Still, they

As Nicole was surrounded by her family's joyful faces, her eyes brimmed with happiness.She thought to herself, 'This is how a peaceful and beautiful life should be. I will strive to maintain it.'****Patricia had just gotten back to her apartment when she found Ellar waiting for her, which surprised her. "Why are you here?" she asked."Just waiting for you," Ellar said, like it was totally normal.Patricia looked puzzled. "Is there a problem?""Yes," Ellar nodded seriously. "We need to talk about something."Patricia couldn't explain why, but she suddenly felt nervous. She bit her lip and asked, "What's up?"Ellar's serious tone made her heart beat faster, filled with both excitement and worry."Let's go inside," Ellar suggested, taking Patricia's hand and leading her confidently into the apartment.Patricia was shocked. "How did you get keys to my place?""I borrowed them from my brother-in-law," Ellar said confidently."Brother-in-law?" Patricia was confused for a secon