Ch. 2976..2980: My Wife Is A Hacker Chapter 2976-2980

Chapter 2976

"Nicole..." Tia looked at her, her eyes filled hesitation, as if to ask, 'Is this really okay?'

"I've still got things to handle, and I'm worried I won't make it in time, so I'm actually relieved to leave this in your hands, " Nicole explained. She then reassured Tia, "Don't worry, everything's been taken care of."

Tia nodded, now understanding the situation.

She was aware that lately, Nicole and Jared had been personally picking up Nolan and Lana for the kids' safety. Now that Nicole was entrusting her with this responsibility, and with Nicole's assurance that arrangements were in place, it likely meant someone would be there to ensure Nolan and Lana's safety. So, Tia felt a sense of relief.

"Okay, I'll make sure to be there early tomorrow morning," Tia said, smiling.

She really adored Nolan and Lana and was more than happy to pick them up.

Nicole had made these arrangements out of concern.

'If someone is actually after me, it's better I keep my distance from the kids,' Nicole thought to herself, 'to keep Nolan and Lana out of harm's way.'

Jared seemed to pick up on what Nicole was thinking, giving her a thoughtful look.

By limiting her time with the children, Nicole was protecting them, but it also meant she herself was in more danger.

Feeling Jared's gaze, Nicole smiled at him.

Jared's expression changed ever so slightly, then he gently took her hand in his.

Her smile grew as she moved a bit closer to Jared.

He didn't speak, but she understood his concern and his feelings.

"There won't be any problems, especially with you by my side," Nicole whispered, her voice just reaching Jared.

Jared's hold on her hand grew firmer, his actions speaking louder than words.

Nicole's smile turned even sweeter, her heart filled with warmth.

"Tia, could you also pick up Mrs. Wallace Sr.? Dinner will be ready soon," Gloria said, checking the time and reminding Tia.

"Sure," Tia replied, getting up.

Stanley stood as well, adding, "Tia, I'll go with you."

As Stanley followed Tia out, Gloria smiled to herself, then turned back to Nicole. "What's Ellar been up to these days? I heard from Emma he's been leaving early and coming home late, barely around."

Maybe he's just busy with his work at the company," Nicole replied, deliberately not going into detail.

"He always takes your advice. Just remind him to take care of himself. Work matters, but rest is just as important," Gloria suggested.

Nicole nodded in response to Gloria's advice. "Okay, I get it."

But as she agreed, a sense of unease lingered in her mind.' Why has Ellar been leaving so early and coming back late lately? Even if he's busy with work, it seems excessive, doesn't it?’ she thought, her

brows furrowing slightly.

After dinner, with these thoughts still circling in her mind, Nicole decided to reach out to Patricia for more insights.

"Ms. Riddle," came Patricia's voice on the other end, a mix of surprise and concern. "What's up? Why are you calling at this hour?"

"Have you seen Ellar around recently?" Nicole asked straight away.

’No," Patricia replied, her voice tinged with hesitation. After a pause, she added, "Is something wrong with him?"

Nicole took a moment, contemplating how to phrase her concerns. "He's been acting a bit off lately, so I just wanted to check."

"What seems to be the problem?" Patricia's voice now carried a note of worry. She hadn't seen Ellar in the last few days either. 'Could something bad happen to him?' she wondered.

"I'm not really sure, but everyone's noticed he's not quite himself. He insists he's okay, though..." Nicole shared what she knew, her tone reflecting her uncertainty.

Patricia let out a soft, troubled sound. "That doesn't sound good."

"Yeah, I'll keep an eye on him," Nicole said, concluding the call as she realized Patricia didn't have any more information.

As she put her phone away, Nicole turned around and found Jared looking at her.

Chapter 2977

"Is Ellar's problem still not sorted out?" Jared asked, with a slight frown on his brow.

Nicole shook her head in response to Jared's question. "I just can't shake the feeling that something's off," she admitted.

Sighing, she said, "I guess all we can do is wait and see." If there was really an issue with EIIar, the truth wouldn't stay hidden for long.

The thought that something might be amiss with Ellar lingered in her mind. The mystery deepened with Patricia's apparent unawareness of Ellar's recent activities. 'Wasn't he supposed to be with Patricia? Why would he lie about that?' Nicole pondered, a frown creasing her brow as she mulled over these questions.

Jared reached out, gently ruffling her hair in a comforting gesture. "Go take a shower and head to bed. We'll figure out what's going on with Ellar in due time."

Jared, despite the oddities in Ellar's behavior, didn't seem overly concerned. He believed that whatever Ellar was involved in, he had his reasons, perhaps reasons he couldn't disclose, which explained his secrecy.

Nicole inhaled deeply, trying to ease the turmoil of her thoughts, and then made her way to the bathroom.

The warm bath helped her relax, and before she knew it, she drifted off to sleep.

Jared, noticing the unusual delay, checked on her and found Nicole asleep in the tub, her cheeks flushed with warmth. With a resigned smile, he gently lifted her out of the bath, wrapped her in a bathrobe, and carried her to their bedroom.

Once nestled in the comfort of their bed, Nicole instinctively curled up, a peaceful expression on her face as she slipped back into a deep sleep.

As Nicole curled up like a kitten, Jared couldn't resist smiling. He sat by the bed, gently drying her hair with a towel.

Nicole woke up slowly and saw Jared. She smiled softly." Why didn't you wake me?"

Jared put the towel aside and playfully ruffled her hair. "You needed the rest."

Nicole turned to face him, resting her chin on her hand." Now I'm not sleepy."

Her bathrobe slipped off her shoulder slightly. Jared's expression shifted subtly at her playful look.

In a deep, meaningful voice, Jared said, "If you can't sleep, I'm here to help."

Nicole, surprised, watched Jared come closer.

She thought about moving away, but it was too late.

In the next moment, Jared kissed her...

Three days whisked by.

Nicole fell into her regular pattern of commuting to work, the mysterious car from before now absent.

Each morning, Jared consistently offered Nicole a lift to Riddle Corporation.

Settled in the seat, Nicole posed a question to Max, her voice tinged with seriousness, "Any leads yet?"

"Seems like they're still playing it safe, just watching,” Max responded in a low tone.

"Then let's not dwell on it," Nicole replied with composure." We can't let this disrupt our lives."

Max paused, his voice carrying a note of uncertainty. "What if..." He trailed off, but inwardly he was gripped by concern, thinking, 'What if they catch us off guard and you get hurt?'

Nicole, as if intuiting Max's concerns, reassured, "Don't worry. I'm tougher than I look, and you've already set up security for me. That's why I've made up my mind about the Lanningbourg project."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Max questioned, his voice laced with worry. The project demanded her presence for negotiations, a point that naturally sparked concern.

The task meant traveling to a foreign land, and the specific request for Nicole to be there in person hinted at a possible hidden agenda.

Chapter 2978

Nicole paused briefly, weighing her words. "Yes, and I’m going to ensure the news of my presence at

the event is openly circulated."

It seemed wiser not to conceal her schedule, as transparency might provoke a reaction from the

opposing party.

Max's comprehension dawned, his complexion turning a shade paler. "Mrs. Johnston, are you really

planning to use yourself as bait?"

It was evident that exposing Nicole's itinerary now would certainly draw the attention of those figures

lurking in the dark.

Nicole nodded affirmatively. "Since I'm their target, let them focus on me. It'll keep others out of harm's

way."

Considering their reluctance to confront her in San Joto, she saw an opportunity to draw them out.

"But isn't that exceedingly risky?" Max's worry was palpable.

Nicole looked toward Jared, her lips curving into a smile." You wouldn't let anything happen to me,

right?"

"I'll be by your side," Jared stated, his tone solid and resolute.

Nicole's expression showed a momentary frown, then she acquiesced with a nod. "Okay."

"When are you planning to depart, Mrs. Johnston?" Max inquired.

After a moment's thought, Nicole replied, "I'll have Lulu arrange the tickets. There are still a few matters

I need to address."

She couldn't pinpoint the exact time of departure yet, but left it in Lulu's capable hands.

Finishing her thoughts, Nicole caught Jared's gaze and promptly flashed a smile, amending, "Us."

Nicole briefly glanced at Jared, catching his softened gaze. She playfully stuck out her tongue when his

attention diverted. He's really taking this too seriously,' she mused. It wasn’t that she wanted to exclude

him; she fully intended to honor their agreement.

Arriving at Riddle Corporation, Nicole exited the car and made her way inside.

Jared's expression shifted as he watched her enter, the warmth in his eyes giving way to a more

serious demeanor." Let Charlie organize a team to go ahead. The rest will stay back," he ordered, his

voice deep and authoritative.

Max, taken aback and filled with worry, grasped Jared's intent to accompany Nicole. However, he

couldn't help but wonder if it was wise for them to go without additional security until they reached their

destination.

"The trip should be secure, and arrangements will be in

place there," Jared reassured Max. "I need you here to oversee things."

Max, understanding Jared's strategy, nodded. "You're saying they might still act, even with your

departure."

"Possibly," Jared acknowledged, implying there were deeper plans at play.

Realizing his role in the larger scheme, Max accepted his duty. "Understood, sir. We'll ensure Scorpio

pays this time."

The situation was intricate. Lawrence's cooperation with Scorpio appeared superficial, more a

maneuver for his own agenda.

Max internally resolved, 'With the Johnstons away, they're likely to make a move. We need to be

vigilant here.'

Meanwhile, Nicole settled into her office. Moments later, Lulu entered with several documents.

"Nicole," Lulu began, laying the papers on the desk, "take a look to see if anything here need

adjusting?"

Chapter 2979

Nicole nodded, briefly looking over the documents. "Okay," she said.

Lulu, observing Nicole, frowned slightly and asked," Something on your mind?"

"Yeah, it's just something I'm working on," Nicole replied, glancing up at Lulu.

Lulu leaned in, her expression turning more serious. "What's going on?"

"It's about the Apex Corp project. I've decided to tackle it myself," Nicole revealed, her voice carrying a

determined undertone.

Lulu's surprise was evident. "You're actually taking that on?"

"Yes, I'll leave in a few days, once I've sorted things out here. Jared will be coming with me,” Nicole

explained.

Lulu's eyes widened. "Both of you are going?"

"That's right," Nicole confirmed. "He's uneasy about me going solo."

Lulu shook her head, a mix of disbelief and relief in her eyes. "And you were considering going alone?

It's a good thing he's joining you."

Nicole's laughter lightened the mood slightly. "It's just a project negotiation. I don't see why everyone's

concerned."

Lulu, still wearing a frown of concern, insisted, "But you know how things are right now."

"That's the very reason I have to go," Nicole replied, her smile a blend of confidence and reassurance.

"And I won't be alone; Jared will be with me."

"Okay," Lulu conceded, though her worry was evident. She knew Nicole was determined, and having

Jared by her side was a comforting thought.

"Can you get the documents ready for me? I'll need to take them along," Nicole instructed, shifting back

to business.

"Of course, I'll take care of it. Don't worry about a thing," Lulu responded, ready to assist.

As Lulu exited, Nicole's gaze returned to the paperwork spread across her desk. She had a lot to wrap

up before leaving - ensuring work at the office was under control and revisiting Ellar's situation one

more time.

Time passed, and soon it was lunchtime.

Nicole and Lulu settled comfortably near the couch, ready for their lunch break, when a knock sounded

at the door.

"It must be Ellar," Lulu guessed, glancing up.

As predicted, Ellar entered, a lunch box in hand. "Brought your favorite - Spicy Mexican fish," he

announced with a cheerful grin.

Lulu's smile widened in surprise. "You really went out to get it?"

Ellar set the lunch box on the table, its opening releasing a tantalizing aroma. "I knew you both would

enjoy it, so I made the extra effort," he explained, joining them.

Lulu couldn't hide her delight. "Now that's thoughtful. We've been concerned about you."

Turning to Nicole, Lulu observed, "He seems much better, doesn't he?"

Nicole nodded, noting Ellar's improved demeanor. "He does appear more recovered."

"Let's dig in,” Ellar quickly suggested, avoiding Nicole's examining gaze.

Nicole, her eyes slightly narrowed, kept watching Ellar. Despite his apparent recovery, something about

his condition seemed off to her.

Ellar, feeling Nicole’s gaze, stayed focused on his food, engaging in light conversation with Lulu. "I

wanted to express my gratitude for your concern," he added.

"That's really considerate, Ellar," Lulu responded with a laugh, appreciating his gesture.

Chapter 2980

Ellar’s tone conveyed his effort to contribute positively to the lunch gathering. "I remembered how much

you both liked it last time, so I grabbed it for today," he said.

Lulu casually mentioned, "Well, enjoy it while you can.

Nicole will be out of the country soon."

Ellar’s reaction was one of genuine surprise. "Out of the country? Nicole, what's the occasion?"

"Just some business matters. I'll be back in a few days," Nicole replied, downplaying the significance of

her trip.

Ellar, not privy to the details, simply nodded in understanding. "Got it."

Nicole then shifted the conversation, her gaze intent on Ellar. Before I go, is there anything you need

assistance with?"

Ellar, slightly uneasy under Nicole's scrutiny, averted his eyes. "No, everything's fine on my end. You

don't need to worry about me, Nicole."

Nicole, not entirely convinced, pressed a bit more. "Are you sure about that?"

Ellar’s vigorous nod seemed to affirm his words. "Really, everything's fine," he reassured Nicole.

"Alright, let's enjoy the meal then," Nicole said, deciding to leave the matter for now. Despite her

lingering doubts, she couldn't pinpoint anything specific about Ellar that seemed amiss.

She chose to focus on the present, resolving to revisit any concerns about Ellar after her trip. She

thought that it was possible that her recent stress had been amplifying her worries unnecessarily.

After lunch, Ellar quickly found an excuse to leave the Riddle Corporation ahead of time.

Once outside, he released a relieved sigh, wiping the perspiration from his brow. He had sensed the

underlying reason for Nicole's questions and was grateful for his preparedness.

In reality, the Spicy Mexican fish was ordered by his assistant, while he had met with Martin to improve

his complexion, anticipating Nicole might notice any discrepancies.

His efforts appeared to have paid off, allowing him to narrowly evade Nicole's suspicions.

With Nicole's impending departure, Ellar hoped for some change in his situation by her return. Even if

things didn't improve substantially, he felt confident that his condition would not be as evident and

would likely go unnoticed.

"Mr. Riddle, you look very pale. Should I take you home to rest?" Ellar’s assistant, full of concern,

looked at his ashen face.

"No, let's head back to the company," Ellar’s voice was weak, barely a whisper as he leaned against

the seat.

'Going home in this state would only make my family worry more,' he thought.

As Martin had predicted, Ellar’s complexion had only improved temporarily. When the medication's

effects started to fade, he felt even weaker than before.

He considered himself fortunate that no one had seen him after the medication wore off. 'If they had,

keeping this a secret would've been impossible,' he mused.

Meanwhile, back at Riddle Corporation, Lulu had just finished tidying up and turned to Nicole. "He does

seem a lot better, doesn't he? Why do you still look so worried?"

Nicole shook her head slightly. "I'm not sure. He does seem okay, but something still feels off."

"Don't worry, he's grown up and knows how to take care of himself," Lulu tried to reassure her.

Nicole's eyes narrowed as she said, "What worries me is whether he's hiding something from us."

Lulu, understanding Nicole's concern, volunteered, "I’ll keep an eye on him for you while you're away."

Nicole nodded in appreciation. "That would be great, please do."

After agreeing, Lulu glanced at the time. "You should rest for a bit. I'll head out now."

Nicole, leaning on the couch, closed her eyes to rest. 'What am I missing?' she wondered, her mind

buzzing with thoughts, feeling like she was on the verge of uncovering something elusive.

***

Three days later, everything was ready for Nicole's trip. She and Jared were prepared to leave.

Nolan and Lana clung to Nicole, their voices tinged with reluctance, "Mommy, please come back soon."