The credit for this went to Brett's daughter. There was a moment when the young girl experienced a severe episode during a stormy day.

In a predicament, Brett scoured for a taxi, concurrently fielding a work-related call from Wesson. Perceiving Brett's distress, Wesson promptly arrived and conveyed the girl to the hospital.

Amidst this, Nicole, present in the car, rendered assistance in caring for the distressed girl throughout the journey.

"Excellent." Ethel nodded with a hint of shyness.

Despite her tomboyish persona and the moniker "Man Woman" bestowed by her peers, Ethel invariably found herself bashful in Nicole's presence.

"Ethel, if you don't mind, please refer to me as Nicole. ‘Miss Lawrence' feels overly formal," Nicole suggested.

Ethel, visibly embarrassed, scratched her head. "May I address you as Kiki?"

To Ethel, a palpable sense of disparity persisted between herself and Nicole, with Nicole hailing from the Lawrence family's elder lineage while she came from a humble background, in need of support. Their paths in life and educational pursuits diverged significantly.

While Ethel maintained a detached demeanor toward other affluent individuals, approaching them with a professional demeanor, Nicole stood out. Upon growing acquainted with Nicole, Ethel discerned that Nicole, like Wesson, embodied integrity, kindness, and resilience.

Ethel noted the entire Lawrence family embodied virtue and had extended generosity toward her. Naturally, her sentiments toward them were distinct.

With a gentle smile, Nicole said, "Certainly."

The sight of Ethel evoked memories for Nicole, reminiscent of the moment her mother had delivered a little sister for Nicole who tragically succumbed shortly after birth.

At that time, the entire family mourned for an extended period, and though they never broached the subject of the infant again, her memory lingered perpetually in their hearts.

Nicole wondered had she possessed a sister like Ethel, the void left by her parents' demise might have been assuaged, potentially averting a cascade of psychological challenges.

Ethel beamed. "Kiki."

Nicole reciprocated the smile. Then, pausing briefly, she delicately removed the jade pendant encircling her neck and tenderly placed it in Ethel's palm. "I really appreciate your efforts in digging up my father's case. Please take this as a token of appreciation."

"Please, take it back. This is far too precious!" Ethel protested, visibly flustered.

Gold might possess a tangible value, but jade embodied a value beyond measure. This particular piece, flawlessly crafted and exquisitely detailed, undoubtedly held significant worth.

“The value of a gift transcends its monetary worth. Considering your steadfast dedication to my father's case, this is the least I can offer," Nicole asserted earnestly. "Thank you."

Regardless of the case's outcome, Nicole knew one thing remained sure.