Nicole walked over to where Jared had parked his car. Jared smiled affectionately and opened the door


    for her, saying, "Hop in."


    Once inside, Nicole sank into the seat with a deep sigh. "Finally, a moment to rx." "You look worn


    out," Jared noted, concerned.


    "I''m okay," she said, leaning against Jared. It wasn''t the work that was tiring, but rather the stress from


    dealing with Lawrence that had been weighing on her. Now, in the quiet of the car, she felt a sense of


    relief.


    Jared smiled gently, "Soon, you''ll get to rx for real."


    He knew exactly what she was going through. They just had to handle the situation with Lawrence, and


    then all this stress would be behind them.


    Nicole nodded as she smiled back, feeling a bit more at ease.


    ****


    Er took Patricia to a cozy restaurant. The calm music and charming decor made them feel


    comfortable right away.


    "Let’s sit over here," Er suggested, guiding Patricia to a window table.


    Once they ordered, Eliar turned to Patricia, "You''ve been working so muchtely. I thought a night out


    would help you unwind. Don''t stress so much."


    Patricia let out a small sigh. "A call would have been enough, you know. Whye to the office?" "I


    wanted to see you," Er said, looking a bit upset, "Plus, now that work''s over and Jared''s with Nicole,


    she''ll be alright." "I''m not worried about Nicole. It''s just that I think we should keep things between US a


    bit more private for now," Patricia tried to exin.


    Ell ar firmly disagreed, "No, we''re together and shouldn''t hide it. Are you having doubts?" His stance


    was clear; he saw no reason to hide their rtionship, feeling insecure about Patricia''s hesitance.


    Patricia couldn''t help but smile, a mix of amusement and exasperation in her gaze. "What are you even


    saying?"


    Er gave a nervousugh, scratching his head. "Just making sure you’re okay with US. I get worried


    when I don''t see you." "Let''s just eat," Patricia said with a mock stern look, making Er seem almost


    pitiful.


    "Alright, let''s enjoy the meal," Er agreed, cheerfully offering Patricia some of her favorites.


    They spent the meal talking andughing, Er appearing utterly satisfied.


    Patricia watched him, her heart filling with a gentle happiness, her smile hidden but genuine.


    ****


    The next day, the sun was shining brightly when Patricia walked into Nicole''s office early in the


    morning. "Ms. Riddle, Lawrence hasn''t stopped. It seems he hasn''t noticed that we''re onto him." "So,


    he''s going ahead with his n," Lulu said, surprised. Nicole had talked about turning his ns against


    him, so if Lawrence kept this up, he''d only be setting himself back.


    "It seems so. And with Mr. Johnston pushing him, I think he''ll make his move soon," Patricia exined.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    She looked serious. Even though they were ready, she knew they had to be careful.


    Nicole thought for a moment, ''Jared is pushing hard, and with Sean''s help, Lawrence''spany won''t


    last much longer.’


    She was surprised Lawrence was still calm, ignoring his ownpany to focus on her side.