When Jarrod noticed that she was no longer detached and subdued, his lips formed a subtle smile.
“I’m not insane.
And does it surprise you that I think this way?”
Lifting his chin with a trace of self-derision, Jarrod asked, “Don’t you always see me in this regard?”
Nicole’s hands were balled into fists, and she yelled, “Yes, to me, you’re a monster! But…”
She paused briefly and then added, “To Austin, you are his father.
”
Jarrod’s heart jolted at her words.
He was aware that he might not excel as a father, but with Austin in his life, he feltpelled to embrace the responsibilities of being a father.
Even if he struggled, he was earnest in his attempts.
Nicole continued, “Given all this, would you really hand Austin over to that malicious woman?”
Of course, Jarrod wouldn’t.
However, he kept his thoughts to himself.
His expression darkened.
“That’s none of your concern.
”
Nicole chuckled.
“Indeed.
It’s really none of my business.
Mr.
Schultz, you’re trying to look out for your cousin, your fiancée, and your future brother-inw, aren’t you? That’s on you.
But whether or not you can actually keep them safe… Well, we’ll just have to see, won’t we?”
Jarrod raised an eyebrow.
“What exactly are you implying?”
“I have the backup of the storage card.
Did that thought ever cross your mind?” Nicole’s smile was enigmatic, adding ayer of intrigue.
Jarrod was caught off guard.
He hadn’t considered Nicole capable of having a backup simultaneously.
With the advanced technology, it was certainly feasible.
For a brief moment, he
was unsure whether she was bluffing.
He watched her face intently, searching for any tell.From N?velDrama.Org.
Nicole maintained herposure, her voice steady.
“You seem unconcerned with Austin’s safety.
As his mother, it falls to me to take action.
Tomorrow, I’ll expose the real faces of everyone in your precious circle to the public.
”
Her tone was resolute, convincing Jarrod that she might indeed possess a backup.
His expression turned grave.
He pressed, “And then?”
Nicole hesitated.
She was at a loss, not quite grasping his point.
Jarrod exined, “Once this is out in the open, Doreen won’t have to shoulder the me.
My sister will cover for her.
At worst, Doreen might need to spend some time abroad to let things settle, but her prospects won’t be tarnished at all.
As for Vicki and Lowe, backed by the Hamptons, I doubt you could cause them any real trouble.
And suppose you do manage to get this scandal trending through money or connections, what then?”
Jarrod set his wine ss down, his face a mask of detached calm.
“Their situations are simr to Doreen’s.
None of this will touch them.
”
His tone grew icy.
“Nicole, don’t be so naive.
I might choose not to marry Vicki, but that doesn’t stop me from marrying someone else.
Should I then screen whether they’re suitable for Austin?”
Nicole had never considered Jarrod’s perspective.
Yet, it did have a point.
The video in her possession might stop Vicki from bing Jarrod’s wife.
But what about other women who would be Jarrod’s fiancée? How could she judge if they were fit or unfit?
As long as Jarrod held onto Austin’s custody, these looming threats would remain inevitable.
For a moment, Nicole was bewildered, staring into Jarrod’s profound eyes, puzzled by his thoughts.
She inquired pointedly, “What do you want from me to secure Austin’s custody?”
Nicole would only be at ease when Austin was in her care.
She had amassed just enough wealth for Austin that, while notvish, was significantly better than the average, providing a stable foundation.
With Nicole’s money, Austin was free to pursue his passions.
Should he take an interest in business, the trust fund could serve as his initial investment, potentiallyunching him into sess under his management.