Chapter 2944


    "Go ahead and open it," Jared encouraged gently.


    Nicole bit her lip slightly. "Maybe you should handle this one.


    She already had the Fire Crest, and while another wouldn''t be too much, she somehow felt the Water


    Crest might be safer with Jared.


    Jared looked at her tenderly. "It doesn''t really matter who does it," he reassured her.


    Then, with a click on the ''enter'' key and a pat on Nicole''s shoulder, he said, "After all, I''m all yours."


    "Hey..." Nicole watched him walk away, a mix of humor and slight annoyance in her heart.


    ''He always leaves just like that, '' she mused.


    "I''m off to shower," Jared shouted over his shoulder, disappearing into the bathroom.


    Nicole let out a small sigh, her face growing serious as she focused on the task in front of her.


    By the time Jared was done showering, she had managed to get it done.


    "It''s open," she informed him as he walked back into the room.


    Jared, with a gentle smile, asked softly, "Did you im it yet?


    "Not yet," Nicole admitted, uncertainty in her voice.


    Jared came closer and gently stroked her hair. "Worried it might not choose you?"


    "I guess I''ll just give it a shot," Nicole replied, her feelings a bit tangled. It wasn''t fear, more a mix of


    emotions.


    Having been through this with the Fire Crest, Nicole found the process familiar and was soon


    sessful.


    The special watch chimed again.


    Everything settled down, and the night grew deep.


    Nicole scrolled through the congrattory messages, her face calm.


    "What''s wrong?" Jared asked softly, taking her hand.


    Nicole shook her head. "Nothing, just some old memories."


    Jared, understanding her, said, "You''re thinking about what happened when you imed the Fire


    Crest."


    "Yeah, that was quite the ordeal," Nicole replied, a small, thoughtful smile on her lips.


    "Let''s sleep," Jared suggested, gently pulling Nicole down beside him. He wrapped his arms around


    her softly.


    Nicole snuggled closer, feeling cozy and quickly drifted off to sleep.


    Jared watched her sleeping, his gaze deep and thoughtful. Even though everything seemed calm, he


    knew it was just the surface. Nicole bing the master of the Water


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    Crest had already stirred up the influential families. She''d have more support now, but


    Jared knew those who coveted the Water Crest wouldn''t back down easily.


    He softly kissed her forehead, his eyes dark with resolve. TH protect her, no matter what.


    She won''t be hurt,'' he silently vowed.


    The next day was bright and sunny.


    After waking up, everyone headed to the dining room for breakfast.


    "Sir, your father''s on the phone," the butler announced.


    "So early?" Daniel looked puzzled but answered, "Dad?"


    "Nicole is the master of the Water Crest now?" Benjamin''s voice came through, direct and to the point.


    Daniel, caught off guard, stammered, "The Water Crest?"


    He nced at Nicole, his mind racing. ''What''s going on?


    What''s this about another crest?'' He heard the words but couldn''t make sense of them.