"Maybe we should check into a hotel first. Nicole might try to reach US," Doretta said through clenched


    teeth.


    She was sure Nicole had a n; otherwise, Nicole wouldn''t have willingly gone with Lawrence. Not


    only did Nicole stop her from revealing herself, but she also told her to send a message directing them


    toe here- there had to be a reason behind Nicole''s actions.


    After thinking for a moment, Jared agreed, "Let''s go to the hotel for now.”


    For now, all they could do was wait. Plus, Jared had some things to take care of.


    Soon, they reached the hotel and got settled. They needed to wait for more news, but they couldn''t just


    sit around; they needed a n of action.


    ****


    Meanwhile, Lawrence had made sure Nicole wasfortable, but he didn''t take her to his main base.


    Instead, he chose a small fishing vige nearby.


    The vige reminded Nicole of Crescent Ind, where they had once lived, but here, it wasn''t an


    isted ind. It was still hard tomunicate with the outside world, though.


    Lawrence''s people were keeping a close eye on Nicole''s every move.


    Looking outside at the people, Nicole frowned, deciding it was best not to do anything rash for now.


    Resting might be the smartest choice-building up strength and maybe tricking those outside into


    lowering their guard.


    Nicoley down to sleep and actually drifted off.


    When she woke up, it was already getting dark.


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    "I can''t believe I slept for so long. Taking the helicopter all night yesterday really tired me out," Nicole


    muttered to herself.


    Nicole checked outside and saw the people keeping watch were still there.


    Someone noticed her movement and knocked on the door. "Miss, your dinner is ready." "Have it


    brought in," Nicole said, knowing she needed to eat well to keep her strength up.


    Looking at the decent meal brought to her, Nicole shrugged and started eating.


    While eating, she kept an eye on the outside, thinking about how to find an opportunity to contact Jared


    and the others. ''Doretta received my covert signal and didn''t show herself, so she must have gone to


    find Jared by now.


    ''They should already be in Mecrounia, likely searching for me.


    ''I didn''t expect Lawrence to be so cautious, not taking me to the base but keeping me here.''


    As she thought, footsteps approached. Nicole''s pupils slightly contractedit was Lawrence.


    Putting down her utensils, Nicole looked up at the person who had just entered.


    "Is the meal to your liking?" Lawrence asked.


    "It''s alright," Nicole replied tly, ncing at Lawrence. "If I keep refusing to give you the answer you


    want, how long do you n to keep me here?" "I''ve already arranged for someone to pick up Nn


    and Lana. I think once they arrive, you''ll give me the answer I’m looking for," Lawrence said, smiling


    lightly.


    Nicole clenched her teeth inwardly, worried about Nn and Lana but showing no sign of it on her face.


    "If there''s nothing else, I''m tired," she said coldly, effectively dismissing Lawrence.


    Lawrence chuckled. "Don''t be upset. Weren''t we just fine before we returned to San Joto? I believe we


    can return to how things were before."


    Nicole remained silent, cursing internally, ''Return to how things were before? In your dreams!


    ''We will never be possible, not in the past, not now, and certainly not in the future.’