A momentter, Nicole said firmly, "Patricia, Lawrence must have another trick up his sleeve. Keep an


    eye on him."


    Patricia knew what Nicole meant. If Lawrence was putting all his effort into attacking Riddle


    Corporation, he might have another n. Following Lawrence''s moves could be risky for Nicole, but it


    could also be a chance to outmaneuver him.


    Patricia paused, unsure, thinking, ''Is it worth the risk to Nicole for this chance?''


    Nicole saw Patricia''s worry and tried to ease it, "We know what he''s nning; it''ll be okay. If we pass


    this up, we might not get another chance." "But..." Patricia was still hesitant.


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


    Nicole gave her a reassuring smile. "No ''buts.'' You''ll be right there with me, won''t you?"


    With Patricia by her side, they had the upper hand since they knew Lawrence''s ns and he didn''t


    know theirs. This made their position stronger.


    Patricia nodded, feeling a bit more convinced. ''"Got it." "Then be careful," Lulu added, unable to hide


    her concern despite Nicole''s confidence.


    "Don''t worry," Nicole said with aforting smile.


    After deciding on their course, Nicole told Lulu, "Keep up the work you''ve been doing. We should see


    the oue soon." "Okay," Lulu replied, "I''m on it." "Great," Nicole said, trusting Lulu to handle things.


    Then she looked at Patricia. "Just watch Lawrence closely." "Don''t worry, Ms. Riddle," Patricia said, her


    determination clear.


    Ready to face the risk, they knew they had to make it count, and Patricia wasmitted to ensuring


    Nicole''s safety.


    With their n set, Lulu and Patricia left Nicole''s office.


    Alone, Nicole''s focus sharpened, ready for what was toe.


    *★**


    In Jared''s office, Max reported with concern, "Mr. Johnston, things are moving forward as expected.


    Lawrence''spany is on the brink of bankruptcy today. Yet, he hasn''t made a move; it''s uncertain


    what he''s nning."


    This unusual calm from Lawrence made them wary and suspicious.


    "Make sure he doesn''t get a chance to turn things around," Jared replied, his voice cool and


    determined.


    "Understood." Max nodded, then shared more news, "Charlie and Doretta have updates too. Lawrence


    hasn''t made moves in San Joto recently, but there are signs he''s up to something in Mecrounia."


    Jared pondered for a moment before he said, "After losing some people earlier, he''s likely cautious


    about sending more here. It looks like he''s gearing up for whates next.” "Does this mean he knows


    he''s losing here and is nning to pull out of San Joto?" Max asked, puzzled. "Is he ready to give up


    so easily?" "Even if he doesn''t want to, he''s thinking ahead." Jared was convinced that Lawrence would


    prioritize his future prospects over clinging to a losing battle in San Joto.


    But Lawrence probably didn''t expect that even if he retreated to Mecrounia, Jared wouldn''t allow him


    any opportunity for a resurgence.


    "Focus on San Joto with Doretta, and send Charlie with a team to Mecrounia," Jared instructed firmly.


    "Got it." Max left to execute the orders.


    Jared''s strategy was to preempt Lawrence''s retreat with measures already in ce in Mecrounia.


    ***


    Later, under the bright afternoon sun, Nicole was in her office, lost in thought on her couch.


    The sound of knocking broke her reverie. Her secretary entered, saying," Ms. Riddle, there''s an


    anonymous letter for you." "Bring it over," Nicole responded calmly, ready to see what the letter


    contained.