The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 407

"Then how?"

Amelia reached over and ruffled his hair. "Nicole hit the jackpot. Everyone at Azure Peak University is calling her the 'Stock Prodigy' now. It means she's incredibly smart with money."

"Nicole, you're amazing!" Kenneth cried, wrapping his arms around her legs and looking up at her with pure adoration.

While Kenneth didn't quite grasp the details, Frederick—as the Shaw family heir—understood perfectly. His eyes shone with a mix of pride and awe.

"Go on, then!" Nicole laughed, her smile bright. "Today is all about total toy and snack freedom."

Frederick and Kenneth didn't need to be told twice; they bolted toward the aisles.

Nicole turned to the others. "Amelia, Jasper, Jaron—you've got thirty minutes. Whatever you want in this mall, it's on me."

"Well, I'm certainly not going to say no," Amelia said with a smirk and a playful arch of her brow.

"You'd better not!"

As Amelia headed off into the stores, Jaron chuckled. "I'm calling it now: Nicole is going to be number one on the Forbes list someday. Jasper, you're not intimidated, are you?"

"Why would I be? I couldn't be prouder." Jasper pulled Nicole close, resting his arm around her shoulders before leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.

"And there's the PDA," Jaron joked, beating a quick retreat to join the shoppers.

"Jasper, aren't you going to get anything?" Nicole asked.

"You really are incredible, Nicole."

"Compared to that new company you started, this is just pocket change," she teased.

Jasper held her gaze. "We're going to shine together, Nicole. We're going to be happy."

"We are," she whispered as he pulled her into a warm embrace.

After a moment, she gently nudged him away. "Five minutes are already up! Go shop."

Jasper laughed and headed out, but instead of looking for himself, he picked out things Nicole used every day and a few matching items for the two of them.

A while later, Kenneth came running back, looking very proud of himself. "Nicole, I found three whole boxes of those chocolates you love!"

"Wow! Good job, Kenneth!"

"And I got that little pink bag you liked," Frederick added. Usually the picture of cool composure, he was now holding a dainty pink purse, a slight blush creeping onto his face.

"Why didn't you guys get more for yourselves?" Nicole asked.

Frederick gestured toward a massive pile of gadgets and figures. "Oh, we got plenty."

After Nicole settled the bill, the group headed out for a celebratory buffet.

"A toast!" Amelia announced, swapping out the kids' drinks for fruit juice. "To the Stock Prodigy at Azure Peak University!"

The restaurant was filled with the sound of their laughter. For the first time in a while, the weight on Jaron's heart seemed to lift. Surrounded by their smiling faces, he chose to ignore the persistent buzzing of the phone in his pocket.

*****

Night fell, and when Nicole returned home, she stopped short at the sight of her dressing room. Gift boxes were stacked higher than she was.

"What's all this?"

"Ms. Shaw, Mr. Moore had these delivered," the maid replied.

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