Ch. 2301..2305: My Wife Is A Hacker Chapter 2301-2305

Chapter 2301

“Welcome back.” Harvey politely extended his right hand with a smile. “I couldn’t attend your welcome banquet last time because I wasn’t in San Joto.”

Nicole glanced coldly at Harvey and said, “You don’t have to explain yourself. Even if you were here, I wouldn’t have sent you an invitation.”

“You’re still the same after all these years.” Harvey withdrew his hand, somewhat disgruntled.

“I’ve always treated people I dislike this way,” Nicole replied as she glanced at Snow.

Harvey knew that she was insulting him. Since he had broken up with Snow, it meant that he did not like her. But now, they were back together again, and she despised his actions.

However, everything he did was for Nicole. He wanted to prove himself to her, so she would eventually see the actual powerful man that was worthy of her to entrust her life to.

For five years, he thought she had vanished and would never see her again, so his feelings for her died along with that thought.

That was until he heard that she had returned and was holding a grand welcome banquet to formally celebrate her return to the Riddle Corporation. He hurriedly finished his overseas project and rushed back as quickly as possible.

But even though he was back, he did not have a reasonable excuse to see her. At the end of the day, he decided to prove himself to her so she would see him eventually.

Nicole frowned as she could sense Harvey’s intense gaze on her, feeling extremely repulsed by his stare.

“Harvey, let’s go to our seats,” Snow said softly.

“You go ahead.” Harvey had no intention of leaving after seeing Nicole. He just wanted to look at her closely. After all, she had disappeared for five years, and he had even thought she was no longer alive.

Now, seeing her in person, Harvey felt like he had come back to life.

Snow’s face turned pale instantly, and she could not help but resent Nicole even more. ‘Why did it have to be Nicole? Harvey and I were doing fine, but everything changed once she appeared. Why?!’

Taking note of their expressions, Nicole’s eyes narrowed in displeasure. She really disliked feeling like she was prey.

With a cold gaze, Nicole said, “Do as you please, but please don’t block the way.”

After speaking, Nicole walked around Harvey and headed toward her and Jared’s seats.

Harvey suddenly raised his voice. “Grandpa misses you too!”

Nicole continued walking without stopping. Why would his grandfather miss me? Why would he even come and tell me

that? What’s wrong with him?’

Harvey squinted slightly when he saw Nicole unmoved.’ Even if she did not want to acknowledge me, why was she suddenly so cold to Grandpa? Something’s not right.’

“Mr. Ellison, it’s better not to disturb other people’s lives,” Lawrence reminded, not liking how Harvey looked at Nicole.

“Same to you,” Harvey replied calmly as if he knew Lawrence very well.

Though he did not fully understand Lawrence’s background, he was well aware of what Lawrence did after arriving in San Joto. As soon as Harvey returned, he thoroughly investigated Nicole’s situation before deciding to target NandoCorp.

Lawrence glanced at Harvey with a heavy gaze, and Harvey met his eyes without flinching before turning away.

“Harvey.” Snow quickly followed after him, even though she was feeling very unhappy inside. She knew she had to stick closely to Harvey at this moment to make their relationship clear.

Lawrence’s face darkened slightly as he watched Harvey walk away. He was well aware of Harvey’s intentions toward Nicole. But if he had feelings for Nicole, why was he with Snow now?

“Mr. Lawrence.” Ian came over and stood beside Lawrence.

Lawrence said coldly, “I want all the information about Harvey and Nicole from the past.”

Chapter 2302

Back there, it sounded like they had a history together. Although it did not sound pleasant, it was evident that they had a history.

Ian respectfully replied, “Yes, sir.”

Looking over again, Lawrence saw that Jared had already sat down with Nicole. Lawrence narrowed his eyes and walked quickly to his own seat.

Nicole saw Jared returning and asked softly, “They finally let you go, huh?”

“They’re not as important as my wife,” Jared whispered back.

Nicole gave Jared a disdainful look and said, “Behave properly when we’re in public.”

“I am behaving properly,” Jared said confidently as he held Nicole’s delicate hand.

Behaving properly? If others hear that, their jaws will probably drop,’ she thought.

Gently squeezing Nicole’s soft hand, Jared whispered, “What did Harvey say?”

“Nothing, just reminiscing about the past,” Nicole replied nonchalantly.

Jared raised an eyebrow slightly. “Do you have a past to reminisce about?”

“Lulu has already told me about our past.” Nicole’s face darkened a bit. It seemed they indeed needed to not only reminisce about the past but also had to tally new and old accounts.

Framing the Johnston family and plotting against her, conspiring with Everett to sabotage Riddle Corporation’s headquarters, and now setting his sights on NandoCorp. Did he think she was an easy target?

Sensing Nicole’s coldness, Jared said softly, “It’s good that you know. We have time in the future, don’t worry.”

He was worried that Harvey’s interaction might have revealed something, but thankfully, Lulu had already informed Nicole beforehand, so there should not be a problem.

Nicole frowned slightly. “But one thing is strange. When I arrived, he said his grandfather misses me.”

“How did you respond?” Jared’s expression became serious. He had overlooked this aspect.

“I ignored him.” Nicole also sensed something was amiss and asked in a low voice, “Should I know his grandfather?”

“Not only that, but you also had quite a close relationship with him.” Jared had no choice but to be honest.

Nicole furrowed her eyebrows when she heard about her past acquaintance with Mr. Ellison.

‘I see. Could Harvey have suspected something from my reaction just now?’

She subconsciously wanted to turn her head to take a look, but Jared stopped her and said, “Don’t turn your head. If you look at him now, he’ll be suspicious.”

“So, you’re saying that he’s suspecting me?” Nicole wondered, ‘Is that why he was testing me just now?’

“Perhaps he just wants to get closer to you. But if you turn around now, he might start suspecting,” Jared whispered to Nicole.

Nicole immediately stopped her movement as she knew that Jared was right.

Harvey might not have noticed anything substantial but, at most, he might be curious. However, if she were to pay attention to Harvey’s actions now, with his suspicious nature, he would surely overthink it.

Chapter 2303

Nicole then lowered her voice and said, ‘Til visit Mr. Ellison another day.” “It’s better to invite him out.” Jared’s expression became slightly somber, and his tone carried a hint of seriousness.

Nicole furrowed her eyebrows. ’ Why?”

She felt that something was off. The Ellison Group was a first -rate corporation in the city, and Mr. Ellison’s status was not to be underestimated.

So why did Jared sound so uneasy when he talked about Mr. Ellison?

“For now, Mr. Ellison has stepped down from all positions in Ellison Group, except for the position of principal at the university. Also, all previous partnerships with me have been terminated. Now, Harvey is in full control of the Ellison family affairs,” Jared explained in a low voice.

“Has something happened?” Nicole was sharp, and she immediately thought of a possibility.

“Probably due to past events,” Jared said briefly, without giving detailed explanations.

Back then, the Ellison Group always targeted the Johnston Corporation and the Riddle Corporation, up until Nicole’s disappearance. Harvey had finally toned it down, but he still had his eyes set on the Ellison Group.

After he took over the Ellison Group, Jared and Mr. Ellison’s partnership gradually decreased before ultimately becoming obsolete.

However, he did not think it was appropriate to discuss this matter in such a setting.

Nicole nodded slightly, not pressing further. She had a basic understanding of it anyway.

As they spoke, the charity event had already begun. Nicole and Jared raised their heads to look at the stage.

The host took the stage, and his deep voice filled the venue with opening remarks.

Nicole listened attentively, not noticing that a few pairs of eyes were watching her.

Lawrence’s eyes had a hint of gloom as he observed Jared and Nicole. His profound gaze made it hard to discern what he was thinking.

“Mr. Lawrence, here’s the information you wanted.” Ian returned and handed a document to Lawrence.

Lawrence opened it, his eyes growing even darker after reading the contents.

‘I can’t believe Harvey actually had such a past connection with Nicole. No wonder he dared to approach her just now. How audacious.’

“Mr. Lawrence, do you need me to do anything?” Ian asked in a low voice.

“Not for now.” He could not act at the moment. But as soon as Nicole needed his help, he would be there.

“Yes, sir,” Ian replied respectfully.

On the other side, Harvey was also paying attention to Nicole.

He always felt an odd sensation when facing Nicole. Although her attitude was no different from before, he could not pinpoint what was strange.

“After Nicole’s return, have you noticed anything different about her compared to before?” Harvey’s voice was calm, and he did not even glance at Snow.

But Snow knew he was asking her. “No, she’s the same as before,” Snow answered softly.

‘She was still as annoying and as difficult to deal with as before.’

Harvey finally looked at Raine, who remained meek and submissive, not showing any signs of suspicion.

Soon, Harvey withdrew his gaze and looked at Nicole again.

His strange feeling intensified, and his pupils involuntarily constricted.

“Harvey, the charity auction has begun,” Snow softly reminded Harvey.

 

Chapter 2304

Harvey heard it, but he seemed unaffected, still pondering over what exactly made Nicole seem different from before. However, he could not find anything, and this frustrated him.

Seeing Harvey continuously focusing on Nicole, Snow could not help but feel annoyed and suffocated. It was driving her crazy.

“Harvey, that diamond necklace is called ‘Heart of the Ocean ‘. Legend has it that the person who obtains this necklace will be happy for life,” Snow said through her teeth but she was still looking at Harvey sheepishly.

“Heart of the Ocean,” Harvey repeated, wondering if possessing it would bring happiness for life.

“Okay,” Harvey finally responded. Snow looked at him with anticipation. If he could win the Heart of the Ocean for her, did it mean that he still had feelings for her?

“The bidding for the Heart of the Ocean begins now, starting at five hundred thousand,” announced the auctioneer, and the venue immediately became lively.

“Six hundred thousand dollars!”

“Seven hundred thousand dollars!”

“One million dollars!”

With intense competition, the bid for the Heart of the Ocean quickly reached three million dollars.

However, the voices of the bidders gradually quieted down because they noticed that the three who were still bidding were Jared, Lawrence, and Harvey.

A strange atmosphere seemed to be in the air, and the attendees all fell silent, waiting to see who would eventually win.

“Four million dollars.” Harvey raised the bid once more.

“Five million dollars.” Lawrence was not willing to back down.

“Alright, five million dollars, any more bids?” With the auctioneer’s voice falling, the venue fell into silence.

Everyone’s gaze fell on Jared, wanting to know if he would give up or continue bidding.

“Jared, let it go,” Nicole advised Jared in a low voice, feeling that such competition had no meaning.

The charity auction was meant to raise funds for a good cause, so as long as all the items were sold, the funds raised would be put to good use. Nicole believed that was the real purpose.

Besides, it was clear that the three were not willing to give in to each other. Instead of competing like this, it would be better to wait for other items. As long as they bid on one thing to express their feelings, the rest did not matter.

Jared looked at Nicole and replied meaningfully, “This necklace is meant for you.”

“Do you really believe that a necklace can bring a lifetime of happiness? That’s too easy.” She did not believe it.

Happiness still needed to be earned through one’s efforts.

Jared gently held Nicole’s delicate hand to comfort her, then raised his bidder card and said calmly, “Ten million dollars.”

“What?!” The venue erupted into a commotion.

Three million was already far beyond the value of the necklace itself, but in charity auctions, nobody cared about the actual value of the items. However, witnessing the fierce bidding from, especially Jared’s one-time offer of ten million, was unprecedented.

“Ten million dollars… Going once… Going twice…”

The auctioneer waited, and if no one continued to bid, he would finalize the sale.

He actually did not expect anyone to bid further, as this was already an astronomical price.

Jared leaned back in his chair leisurely, gently holding Nicole’s hand. He seemed certain of the outcome, just waiting for the announcement.

Lawrence’s pupils constricted slightly. He understood that Jared had seen through his intentions, so tonight, no matter how much he offered, Jared would not let him succeed.

Glancing at the necklace on the auction stage, Lawrence tightened his bidder card and finally chose to give up.

Chapter 2305

Originally, it was just a probe. Since Jared understood his intentions, there would be another chance.

Harvey’s face also darkened as he stared thoughtfully at the necklace on the auction stage. A necklace that represented happiness, would it hold a special meaning if he gave it to Nicole? However, it was evident that continuing the bidding would lead to no result.

“Harvey…” Snow looked at Harvey with a complex expression. She really hoped that he would win the necklace for her, but ten million… It seemed that Jared was unwilling to let go either.

Harvey finally glanced at Snow and put down his bidder card.

He did consider bidding for the Heart of the Ocean to give to Nicole, as he wanted himself to be the only person to bring Nicole happiness. But Snow’s reminder made him realize that it was not the best time.

The issues at NandoCorp were not fully resolved, and he needed to remain calm.

Seeing Harvey giving up on bidding, Snow felt disappointed, but she still consoled him maturely, “It’s just a necklace, and I don’t want it that much.”

Harvey looked at Snow noncommittally. Whether she wanted it or not was none of his business.

“One-time bid of ten million!” the auctioneer finally declared. “Congratulations, Mr. Han!”

Others congratulated Jared as well. At the same time, they felt relieved. They were worried that this bidding war would never end. After all, it was Mr. Johnston, and they knew he would not go home empty-handed.

Subsequently, the stewardess brought the Heart of the Ocean to the small table in front of Jared and Nicole.

“Let me put it on for you,” Jared said gently as he held the necklace.

Nicole accepted the necklace and kept it back in the box.” Forget it.”

She had already felt the envious eyes of all the ladies in the room. If she wore the necklace, she might even get hated.

She was not used to being scrutinized like that and was feeling extremely uneasy. She preferred being low-key.

After putting the necklace back into the box, Nicole looked at Jared and said seriously, “Thank you.”

She understood his intentions. Although a necklace could not truly determine someone’s happiness, it had good symbolism and represented good wishes and blessings.

A devilish glint flashed in Jared’s eyes as he whispered in Nicole’s ear. “You can thank me in another way.”

Oddly enough, Nicole understood his meaning, and her cheeks flushed. She scolded him playfully. “Stop it! We’re at a charity event.”

“Okay, then let’s go home.” Jared smiled knowingly.

Nicole’s cheeks grew even warmer. She looked away and glanced at the auction stage. ‘This guy really is something…’

The auction continued, and since Nicole and Jared did not participate, it progressed smoothly, and the charity auction items were successfully sold one after another.

“Next, we have a high-quality jade peace buckle, with a diameter of twenty centimeters. The jade is translucent and flawless…” As the auctioneer introduced the item, the red cloth covering the jade

peace buckle was lifted, revealing a pure white jade peace buckle.

“Wow, it’s really high-quality!” someone exclaimed.

“Three hundred thousand dollars!”

“Three hundred and fifty thousand dollars.” someone else quickly increased the bid.

“Fifty thousand.” Nicole raised her bidder card.

Jared glanced at her. “Do you want it?”

“Since I’m here, I should participate. I’m now representing the Riddle Corporation.” Nicole smiled, thinking that if she won, she could take it home and give it to her grandfather.