Chapter 2471

Chapter 2471 The kids each took a muffin, bit into it, and nodded enthusiastically.

Wow, these are so good!” “when I was little like you guys are, these were my favorite.

Grandma made them for me all the time,” Nicole said.

“Great grandma sure knows how to bake,” Nolan and Lana said before proceeding to munch on their second bite.

Seeing the kids’ delight, Nicole grinned.

“She would be thrilled to know you guys love them.” Reaching for a muffin as well, Stanley said, “I’ve got to try one of these.” Daniel and Gloria looked at one another before they took one each for themselves.

They wanted to try the treats that had sparked the sudden return of one of Nicole’s memories, thinking they must be unique.

After dinner, Nicole said to Nolan and Lana, “I’m heading over to visit my grandma.

You guys want to come?” “Yeah,” Nolan and Lana chimed in together.

Nicole then turned to Stanley.

“And you?” “Mee” Stanley was taken aback.

“I think Tia might’ve hurt her leg,” Nicole said and paused, leaving the statement hanging before heading out with the kids.

A look of concern crossed Stanley’s face.

After a quick glance at Daniel and Gloria, he decided to go upstairs.

This prompted Daniel and Gloria to exchange looks, sighing with unease.

“I’m heading to bed,” Jared said with a polite nod.

“Alright, get some rest.

Nicole’s over at Mrs. Wallace’s, so she might be back late,” Daniel said.

As Jared made his way upstairs, Daniel proceeded to think about Nicole.

‘With her memories of her childhood returning, she and Mrs. Wallace might have much to discuss.’ He then thought aloud, “There’s some progress, at least.” “Yes,” Gloria agreed.

“I hope she gets her memories back.

She must be feeling incomplete.” Meanwhile, Nicole had taken Nolan and Lana to the backyard where Mrs. Wallace Sr.

lived.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she hugged Mrs. Wallace Sr.

” Grandma.” “Nicole,” Mrs. Wallace Sr.

responded, gently patting her in the back.

“Tell me what’s wrong.

I’m here for you.” “I remembered.” Nicole’s voice quivered.

Memories of her time with her grandmother came surging back at once.

It was her grandmother who had always been there, showering her with love and care.

“You’ve started to remember?” Mrs. Wallace Sr. asked softly.

“I remember the times we spent in the countryside,” Nicole said.

She looked at Mrs. Wallace Sr., noticing the creases marked time on her face.

“You must’ve been so worried about me.” Mrs. Wallace Sr. gently patted Nicole’s shoulder.

“My dear, just having you back makes me happy.

I’m doing well, so don’t you worry.” Hearing those words from Mrs. Wallace Sr. put a smile on Nicole’s face.

“I know you’ll live a very long life,” ‘Such a kind soul surely will,’ she thought.

“Great grandma, your muffins are amazing,” Nolan and Lana chimed in, crowding around Mrs. Wallace Sr.

And upon hearing the compliment given to her, Mrs. Wallace Sr. beamed.

“Oh, you liked them? If you enjoyed them, I’ll make more.

Chapter 2472

Chapter 2472 “You don’t have to.” Nolan shook his head.

Mrs. Wallace Sr. gave them a look of puzzlement.

“Why? You said they were delicious.” “It’s not that.

Making those muffins is a lot of work.

We can help out next time,” Lana chimed in.

Mrs. Wallace Sr. laughed heartily, her mouth wide in amusement.

“Such good kids.

Just like your mom, always caring for others from a young age.” “Well, we are Mommy’s kids,” Nolan and Lana replied with a hint of pride.

Their playful attitude made Mrs. Wallace Sr. burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying the moment with them.

“I can make them too.

Next time, we’ll do it for you,” Tia said, emerging from the small kitchen, her eyes twinkling as she brought a plate of fruits to them.

Nicole took the plate.

“Your leg is hurt.

Go treat it before it gets worse.” “It’s fine,” Tia replied, cheeks reddening in embarrassment.

“It’s just a minor bump.

No big deal.” “Go apply some ointment on it.

You need to take care of yourself so that you can look after Grandma,” Nicole said with a hint of firmness.

Tia nodded.

“Alright, Nicole.

I’ll do that now.” She then made her way out of Mrs. Wallace Sr.’s room to her own.

After a moment, Mrs. Wallace Sr. voiced her concerns.

“What happened to Tia?” “She bumped her leg when she was delivering the mini muffins to us.

It’s not a severe injury, but if she doesn’t take care of it, it might get worse.

Don’t worry, Grandma,” Nicole said, trying to comfort Mrs. Wallace Sr. “Oh, in that case, she should rest up tomorrow.

I can make some food,” Mrs. Wallace Sr. said with concern.

Nicole thought for a moment, and then she said, “How about this.

I’ll arrange for food delivery tomorrow.

Tia can cook for you again when she gets better.” “That sounds good,” Mrs. Wallace Sr. agreed.

Nicole then sat down with Mrs. Wallace Sr., whereupon they began sharing stories from her childhood, filling the room with laughter from Mrs. Wallace Sr..

After a while, Nicole called it a night, concerned for her well-being.

“I’ll help you rest up.

Grandma.

Then, I’ll check on Tia before heading home,” Nicole said.

“Alright.

Make sure you, Nolan, and Lana get some rest too,” she advised.

“Goodnight, Great grandma,” Nolan and Lana added.

In response, she gave them a warm smile.

“Goodnight.” After tucking Mrs. Wallace Sr. into bed, Nicole promised, “We’ll visit again soon.” “Okay,” she replied, her gaze following Nicole, Nolan, and Lana.

She only closed her eyes once they were out of sight.

As Nicole approached Tia’s room, she saw the door ajar.

Through the gap, she spotted Stanley gently tending to Tia’s bruise.

A knowing smile crossed Nicole’s face when she realized that Tia was in good hands.

Opting not to enter, she continued on with Nolan and Lana.

Inside, as Stanley carefully applied the ointment on her leg, he said, ”Take it easy and rest for the next couple of days.” “I’m fine, really,” Tia murmured, her voice reduced to almost a whisper.

Stanley’s tone was firm.

“You should focus on recovering.

I’ll ensure that Mrs. Wallace is taken care of.

If that bruise swells up by tomorrow, we’re heading to the hospital.”

Chapter 2473

“I really don’t need to go to the hospital,” Tia protested when she heard the mention of the hospital.

She believed her injury was just a minor one.

“If you don’t want to go to the hospital, rest up,” Stanley said, his voice firmer than usual.

Tia hesitated, swallowed, and after a moment, she said,” Alright, I get it.”

She thought she could agree now and do whatever she wanted tomorrow when nobody was around to look.

Stanley gave her a knowing look, but opted not to confront her about it. “Alright. Rest up for now.”

“I…” Tia began to rise, but stopped short when Stanley interrupted her.

“I’ll check on Mrs. Wallace. If she needs help, I’ll provide it for her,” he stated.

“Thanks,” Tia said gratefully.

Stanley shot a brief glance at Tia, hesitated for a moment, then silently walked away.

Now alone in the room, Tia was finally at ease. With Stanley around, she had been feeling an unusual tension. She found it surprising that Stanley had made it a point to check on her over such a minor injury. Not only had he inquired about the injury; he had personally applied the ointment on her leg, told her to rest, and even arranged for someone to cover her duties. A peculiar, inexplicable emotion welled up within her at once, its source unknown and elusive. Absentmindedly, she stared at the spot where Stanley had applied the ointment, lost in thought.

Concurrently, Stanley was making his way back to the main hall. Reaching the top of the stairs, he noticed Nicole standing in the hallway with a glint of amusement in her eyes.

A hint of unease came over him, prompting him to ask,” Aren’t you in bed yet?”

“You’re still awake too? It’s pretty late.” Nicole playfully glanced outside.

Then, she teased, “Were you out for a stroll?”

Upon catching the hint of mischief in her tone, Stanley realized Nicole might have witnessed his interaction with Tia.

This prompted him to shoot her a look of annoyance. “If you’ve seen it all, why the questions?”

“I’m just curious about your feelings for Tia,” Nicole said, her gaze becoming more serious. ‘Sometimes they seem so close, and at other times, so distant.’

After pausing for a brief moment, Stanley replied, “I don’t have… particular feelings for her.”

Hearing the response, Nicole raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

She thought, ‘If he doesn’t care, why all the attention?’

“It’s late. You should get some rest,” Stanley said, feeling a bit uneasy.

Then, he headed back into his room.

Raising her brow, Nicole mused aloud, “Do smart folks have a distinct way of thinking?”

“Why aren’t you in bed?” Jared’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

And when she turned, she saw him emerging from his room, approaching her.

Chapter 2474

“I had a chat with Stanley. Let’s go,” Nicole said, linking his arm with Jared’s.

Jared glanced down at her, his tone affectionate. “Did you enjoy visiting your grandma?”

“Yeah, we were reminiscing about my childhood,” Nicole replied, her eyes sparkling with joy and nostalgia.

Touched by her happiness, Jared softly suggested, “When things settle down, we should go back for a visit.”

“That sounds great,” Nicole replied, her eyes wide and hopeful. ‘That’s a good idea. I bet Grandma would love to see the old house again.’

Back in their room, Nicole began humming a tune as she headed to the bathroom. The idea of visiting her childhood home filled her with anticipation. And as Jared watched her, a small smile played on his lips. He was planning to take her back to see where she had grown up once everything that had been playing.

The next morning, after breakfast, Nicole and Jared dropped Nolan and Lana off at preschool and made their way to DillCorp. Although Nicole owned the company, she had kept its original name.

“People might have already suspected that the company’s now in your hands, even if we haven’t announced it. Do what you think is best. Don’t hold back,” Jared whispered to

Nicole.

She grinned, knowing she had Jared’s full support. “Got it.”

Jared felt a rush of affection as he watched her. After dropping Nicole off at DillCorp, he waited until she had entered the building before signaling Max to drive away.

“Mr. Johnston, there’s an update on the investigation. They weren’t locals from San Joto but a group of hitmen. They got to the city before Nicole, which had given them more than enough prep time. Lawrence was the one who had saved her,” Max said in a tone of utmost seriousness.

‘It was a really close call for her,’ Max thought.

“Have we gathered anything significant about the hitmen?” Jared asked, his eyes cold.

“Not yet,” Max answered, sounding determined. “But we’ve got more men on the case. We’ll let you know as soon as we find something.”

“Okay,” Jared said, his voice ominous and unsettling.

He leaned back, lost in deep thought. ‘Nicole lost her memories and ended up on Crescent Island. Lawrence found her there and concealed her identity, which was why we couldn’t find her. When she came to San Joto, someone even tried to kill her. It wasn’t even a local. It was someone who knew about her even before she arrived. If they knew where she was all this time, why didn’t they make a move on Crescent Island? And why, after that first attempt in San Joto, has everything been so quiet?’

Jared’s thoughts raced, and a chilling presence settled in his eyes. ‘Who’s after Nicole, and why the silence after that first failed attempt?’

As more questions arose, the tension in the car grew even more palpable, mirroring Jared’s unease.

Chapter 2475

‘Is Lawrence the key to all this? Does he know something?’ Jared thought.

Meanwhile, Nicole strode into DillCorp’s CEO’s office, and when she arrived, she looked around the refurbished room with a satisfied smile.

“Nicole, you made it!” Lulu exclaimed, entering the room with several people in tow, each holding a folder.

“Ms. Riddle,” they greeted with a nod, and lined up before her.

Nicole took her seat, briefly met their eyes, and began, “Fill me in.”

“Due to poor management, DillCorp has gotten itself embroiled in financial troubles, making it hard for it to achieve significant progress soon,” one of them stated.

“We’ve noticed discrepancies in our accounts and are looking into them.”

“I also believe we should reconsider the employment of some of our staff. Some might not fit into our vision.”

Hearing the reports, Nicole massaged her temples. She knew DillCorp had its share of issues, but she had not realized the extent of them.

Taking a deep breath, Nicole replied, “I get it. Despite everything, I’m impressed with how quickly you’ve all stabilized DillCorp. I believe we can truly grow with all of you leading the way.”

“Thank you, Miss Riddle,” the group replied. “We’re on it.”

“Just focus on your jobs. I’ll be around for a few days to handle some company matters. I won’t intervene with your tasks unless it’s absolutely necessary. Just bring me the reports on time and

according to schedule,” Nicole said, her voice steady and calm.

She had shown up mainly due to some issues pertaining to Everett, not to oversee DillCorp’s operations. If anything, she had complete faith in the team she had chosen.

“Yes, Miss Riddle,” they acknowledged, before leaving the room.

“Nicole, we’re a week ahead of your predictions,” Lulu said, her eyes shining with excitement.

Nicole nodded, satisfaction evident in her gaze. “Everyone has certainly shown what they’re capable of.”

“That’s because you’ve got a good eye for talent. Weren’t you the one who picked all of them?” Lulu asked.

Nicole raised an eyebrow. “The best decision I’ve ever made was bringing you into Riddle Corporation.”

“Obviously,” Lulu shot back, chin tilted up in mock pride, before bursting into giggles.

All of a sudden, a knock was heard on the door, and the secretary stepped in. “Here are the documents you asked for, Miss Riddle.”

After setting them down, she exited, and Nicole began perusing the papers while Lulu observed her closely.

“What’s the verdict?” Lulu asked, her eyes fixed on Nicole as soon as she had placed the documents down.

“It’s just as I thought,” Nicole replied, her voice icy and deep. “Everett has indeed planned to take advantage of DillCorp’s weaknesses to deal us a devastating blow.”

“And if he can’t own it, he’ll tear it apart. Sounds just like him, ” Lulu added with a shake of her head.

“After all, Everett always thought he’d inherit DillCorp,” Nicole said with a determined glint in her eyes. ‘He must be really bitter now that it’s in my hands.’

“So, what’s our next move?” Lulu asked.