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 nced 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.


    Er 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 toe 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 exined the situation that had unfolded earlier in the day


    and cautioned, "I know you''re investigating Lawrence, but please hurry. I have a feeling he might harm


    Nicole."


    Doretta''s expression turned grave. "Okay, I understand."


    It seemed Lawrence was indeed bing impatient, and they should indeed be more vignt.


    "The safety of Nicole is in my hands; I will do everything I can. The rest is up to you and Charlie,"


    Patricia said with a serious tone.


    Doretta nodded. "Don''t worry, we will do our best too."


    After a nod, Patricia looked around before quickly leaving. They had to be cautious now, as there might


    be people watching them, especially Doretta. Her identity couldn’t be exposed yet, so it was better to


    be careful.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Doretta waited a moment to ensure no one was watching her before she left.


    ****


    At the Riddle residence, the family had already finished their dinner. They were now in the living room,


    keeping Nn and Lanapany while watching TV.


    "Nicole, why do you seem so preupied? Has something happened?" Gloria, noticing Nicole seemed


    troubled, couldn''t help but express her concern.


    "It''s nothing, just some work-rted matters/ Nicole responded with a reassuring smile, trying to


    comfort Gloria.


    Gloria''s brow furrowed slightly. "Is it that work has been too exhausting?


    You look a bit pale. Maybe you should take a few days off." "Really, it''s nothing. It might just be the


    workload recently, but I can handle it." Nicole didn''t want to worry Gloria, so she kept the issues with


    Lawrence to herself.


    Gloria remained somewhat concerned, her expression growing more serious.


    "Mom, I''m managing a conglomerate now, so it''s normal to have a lot on my te. Plus, some past


    events have settled down, so I just need to straighten things out. It''ll be fine soon," Nicole reassured


    her, linking arms with Gloria.


    "Sean is there too, and in a few days, Sally will be discharged, and Steve can return to thepany. I


    believe they can handle it," Daniel chimed in, offeringfort as well.


    The mention of Sally and the baby being discharged brought a nod from Gloria, "Right, with Sally''s


    discharge, Steve will also return to his duties at thepany."


    Gloria pondered aloud, "I''m nning to visit the hospital tomorrow to check if the caregiver and nanny


    have been arranged properly. Sally and Lucian will need someone to look after them." "Steve said he


    has everything arranged, but it would be good for you to double-check. We need to make sure


    everything is perfectly in ce," Nicole agreed.