Chapter 2978


    Nicole paused briefly, weighing her words. "Yes, and I’m going to ensure the news of my presence at


    the event is openly circted."


    It seemed wiser not to conceal her schedule, as transparency might provoke a reaction from the


    opposing party.


    Max''sprehension dawned, hisplexion turning a shade paler. "Mrs. Johnston, are you really


    nning to use yourself as bait?"


    It was evident that exposing Nicole''s itinerary now would certainly draw the attention of those figures


    lurking in the dark.


    Nicole nodded affirmatively. "Since I''m their target, let them focus on me. It''ll keep others out of harm''s


    way."


    Considering their reluctance to confront her in San Joto, she saw an opportunity to draw them out.


    "But isn''t that exceedingly risky?" Max''s worry was palpable.


    Nicole looked toward Jared, her lips curving into a smile." You wouldn''t let anything happen to me,


    right?"


    "I''ll be by your side," Jared stated, his tone solid and resolute.


    Nicole''s expression showed a momentary frown, then she acquiesced with a nod. "Okay."


    "When are you nning to depart, Mrs. Johnston?" Max inquired.


    After a moment''s thought, Nicole replied, "I''ll have Lulu arrange the tickets. There are still a few matters


    I need to address."


    She couldn''t pinpoint the exact time of departure yet, but left it in Lulu''s capable hands.


    Finishing her thoughts, Nicole caught Jared''s gaze and promptly shed a smile, amending, "Us."


    Nicole briefly nced at Jared, catching his softened gaze. She yfully stuck out her tongue when his


    attention diverted. He''s really taking this too seriously,'' she mused. It wasn’t that she wanted to exclude


    him; she fully intended to honor their agreement.


    Arriving at Riddle Corporation, Nicole exited the car and made her way inside.


    Jared''s expression shifted as he watched her enter, the warmth in his eyes giving way to a more


    serious demeanor." Let Charlie organize a team to go ahead. The rest will stay back," he ordered, his


    voice deep and authoritative.


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Max, taken aback and filled with worry, grasped Jared''s intent to apany Nicole. However, he


    couldn''t help but wonder if it was wise for them to go without additional security until they reached their


    destination.


    "The trip should be secure, and arrangements will be in


    ce there," Jared reassured Max. "I need you here to oversee things."


    Max, understanding Jared''s strategy, nodded. "You''re saying they might still act, even with your


    departure."


    "Possibly," Jared acknowledged, implying there were deeper ns at y.


    Realizing his role in therger scheme, Max epted his duty. "Understood, sir. We''ll ensure Scorpio


    pays this time."


    The situation was intricate. Lawrence''s cooperation with Scorpio appeared superficial, more a


    maneuver for his own agenda.


    Max internally resolved, ''With the Johnstons away, they''re likely to make a move. We need to be


    vignt here.''


    Meanwhile, Nicole settled into her office. Momentster, Lulu entered with several documents.


    "Nicole," Lulu began,ying the papers on the desk, "take a look to see if anything here need


    adjusting?"