Chapter 3206

The house was quiet, with only a few lights left on for Nicole and Jared's return. Seeing Nicole asleep, Jared didn't wake her. Instead, he gently lifted her from the car, holding her close as they headed inside. Nicole, nestled comfortably in his embrace, snuggled closer, contentedly drifting back to sleep. Jared, with a tender smile, carried her to their room, setting her down gently. As dawn broke, a new day began, and Nicole woke feeling somewhat refreshed. "Daddy, Mommy," Nolan and Lana, having not waited up for Nicole and Jared the previous night, came into their room early in the morning. Greeting her two children, Nicole smiled. "You're both up early." "Mommy, what were you doing that you came back so late?" Lana asked, tilting her head. "Just some work stuff," Nicole replied, not wanting to worry Lana with the actual events and choosing a simple explanation instead. "Let's go downstairs for breakfast," Jared said, lifting Lana in his arms and leading the way out of the