"Brother."
Nicole called out softly, still unable to fully process everything that had happened to Kelly—how she had been dragged into a nightmare and blamed for something she never did.
Jonathan looked at her, waiting.
She exhaled slowly. "Why is it always so unfair when it comes to Kelly?"
He didn't answer right away. He chose his words carefully.
"Yeah… it is unfair. But your cousin fought for herself. She didn't run. She endured."
Nicole nodded. I know Kelly is strong, she thought. But seeing her cry like that… it makes my blood boil.
Jonathan ruffled her hair. "She's okay now. She finally has people she can depend on. And Kevin's there too."
Nicole sighed. "She's really relying on Kevin lately. I just hope she doesn't get spoiled."
Jonathan chuckled. "You're spoiled with Joel too, Nicky."
Her brows knit together. "I'm not."
"Of course you are," he said lightly. "But I'm glad you have someone who supports you. From what I see, Joel loves you more than he ever loved his ex."
She hesitated, then muttered, "Then… I should thank his ex for letting him go."
Jonathan laughed and tapped her head. "Sleep now. Boyfriend or not—you'll always be my little sister."
"I know," she teased. "Strict brother… but I love you."
"Flatterer. Go to bed."
"Good night."
He kissed her forehead and left.
Nicole smiled. No matter how strict he was, she knew—Jonathan loved her deeply.
The next morning, she woke up early, not wanting to get scolded.
But her thoughts wouldn't settle.
Twenty-five million…Why would Dawn need that much money?
Even in class, her mind kept spinning.
Ten million before… then the passbook… then Crisha was pushed.Do they really think Kelly didn't hear them?
She sighed.
"You're thinking too hard again."
Nicole looked up to see Raymond smiling at her.
"Good morning," she greeted.
"Morning," he said, ruffling her hair. "Joel's on duty in the office."
Nicole frowned slightly.
Raymond smirked. "I know. You were looking for him."
He's right, she admitted silently.
"Just admit it," Raymond teased. "Joel really is your boyfriend."
"Do you read minds now?" she shot back.
"It's written all over your face, Nicky. Don't worry—Joel really loves you."
Her cheeks warmed. "You idiot."
Raymond laughed. "So? What were you thinking about earlier?"
"L–Let's talk later," she said quickly. "Not here."
He nodded. "Fair. It's not safe to talk about yesterday here."
"Exactly."
"Good luck holding it in," he teased.
"You're annoying."
Before he could reply, a familiar group approached.
"Oh, Raymond's here," Paulene said.
"And Nicole too," Camille added.
Dawn smiled brightly. "Perfect."
She turned to Raymond. "Where's your cousin?"
"Why?" he replied lazily.
"Airah wants to visit him," Dawn said lightly. "He should be ready."
Then she faced Nicole. "Nicky, don't mind Airah, okay? She just misses her ex. They're friends now anyway. Is that okay with you?"
Nicole forced a small smile. "It's fine. I don't know if Joel wants to meet her—but I know he already met your friend."
So this is it, she thought.They're testing him.
*****
Raymond caught on instantly.
"Don't worry," Camille said, patting Nicole's shoulder. "Girl code."
Nicole nodded. "Okay."
"Tell Joel for us, will you?" Dawn asked sweetly.
Raymond sighed. "Why me?"
"I'll tell him," Nicole said calmly.
"Oh, you're so kind," Dawn beamed.
As they walked away, Raymond noticed Dawn's quiet laugh—the look in her eyes far from innocent.
"Nicky," he said carefully, "are you sure?"
Nicole nodded. "I don't want to cage Joel."
Raymond sighed. "They're testing you. They want to see if Joel chooses you over Airah."
"I know," she said softly. "But I want to trust him."
Raymond fell silent.
She really loves him, he thought. I just hope he doesn't break that trust.
"And what are you two talking about?"
They turned to see Cielo.
"You're back early?" Raymond asked.
"Yeah. Julie's not here yet, right?"
"Not yet."
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed.
Julie burst in, panting, with Melissa right behind her.
"I lost!" Julie groaned. "Nicky beat me!"
"I've been here for ages," Nicole laughed.
"You dragged me into running again," Melissa complained.
Raymond chuckled, ruffling her hair.
"You're always dragging people into chaos," Cielo said, flicking Julie's forehead.
"I thought I could win! Am I 'it' later?" Julie asked.
"Yes," Nicole teased. "You lost."
They settled into their seats.
Then Joel spoke, his tone serious.
"Raymond… you still haven't answered my question."
Raymond scratched his head and glanced at Nicole.
Ah… he's not letting this go, he thought.