And just like that, Jarrod pivoted on his heel and strode away, not once casting a nce over his shoulder.


    Nicole’s pillow bore the marks of her tears as shey curled up beneath her sheets.


    Jarrod’s words reverberated in Nicole’s mind like a haunting prophecy.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Someone with Vicki’s malice was not rare.


    It was a harbinger of what awaited others.


    Even if she had foreseen the need to synchronize the evidence, it would have been futile against the privilege of those heirs.


    They held the means to vanish abroad, evading the storm of scandal until it subsided.


    Nicole had witnessed such schemes unfold before, familiar with the bitter reality that loomed ahead.


    Disillusioned and weary, Nicole sumbed to sleep, a sense of resignation weighing heavily upon her heart.


    Weary from the storm of emotions that had battered her the day before, Nicole’s body remained heavy with exhaustion.


    Today’s emotional whirlwind had drained her.


    As she stirred from her slumber, the enticing aroma of food filled the air.


    A thoughtful maid had arrived, carrying a tray adorned with an array of wholesome, nourishing dishes.


    Despite the maid’s attentive care, Nicole couldn’t shake off the unease that lingered in her presence.


    “You can go,” she said.


    “I’ll be fine on my own.


    ”


    With a bow filled with grace, the maid epted Nicole’s polite dismissal.


    As the maid set down the spoon with precision, she spoke in a tone of genuine concern.


    “Miss, you must eat more.


    Mr.


    Schultz personallymissioned these costly nutritional dishes.


    His concern for your well-being is evident.


    ”


    With that, the maid silently exited the room.


    A bittersweet smile tugged at Nicole’s Lips.


    While her physical well-being could be tended to with nutritional food, the question lingered.


    What salve existed for a shattered heart?


    Despite her stomach’s protests and the absence of hunger pangs, Nicolepelled herself to consume the meal before her.


    She understood that preserving her health was paramount.


    Hunger strikes were for petnt children.


    The weak, she knew, couldn’t think clearly or devise effective ns.


    Nicole nibbled delicately, savoring each morsel just enough to stave off hunger, but far from what would appease a ravenous appetite.


    As the maid tidied up the scarcely touched dishes, Jarrod’s eyes lingered on them.


    “She didn’t fancy this today.


    Adjust the menu ordingly,” he directed.


    With a nod of acknowledgment, the maid retreated, determined to be more attentive to Nicole’s needs in the future.


    Jarrod’s effort to familiarize himself with Nicole’s preferred meals spoke volumes about the significance he attached to her.


    Nicole was unquestionably special.


    The next morning, post-breakfast, Nicole approached the maid with a winsome smile.


    “Could you please tell Mr.


    Schultz toe see me?” she inquired politely.


    Though Jarrod had granted her three days to contemte, Nicole felt no need for such deliberation.


    Austin’s safety could not afford dy.


    Before long, Jarrod made his entrance, his arrival suffusing the room with a heavy, stifling aura.


    “I ept your conditions, Nicole murmured, her tone tinged with a touch of resignation.


    ”


    Jarrod disyed no surprise at her decision.


    Individuals with tender spots were easily swayed, and for Nicole, her loved ones were her Achilles’ heel.


    The mere contemtion of being torn away from her mother or her son was something Nicole couldn’t fathom.


    With them under his sway, coercing herpliance was child’s y.


    Jarrod had abstained from leveraging this due to a pitiful shred of self-assurance.


    Yet, the oue had exposed the folly of his assurance, as Nicole harbored no emotional attachment to


    him.


    “But I have a condition,” Nicole stated.


    A chuckle escaped Jarrod’s lips at her words.


    After all, it wouldn’t be Nicole if she didn’t assert herself.


    “Very well, proceed,” Jarrod drawled.


    Nicole’s steely gaze locked onto Jarrod’s, her every word saturated with purposeful meaning.


    “I need you to guarantee that Roscoe will be safe for the rest of his life, and that nothing bad will happen to him.


    ”


    As her words hung in the air, a tangible tension thickened the atmosphere.


    Jarrod’s countenance shifted noticeably, darkening with intensity.


    After a pregnant pause, Jarrod emitted a scornful chuckle.


    “Nicole, how dare you attempt to negotiate with me?”


    Jarrod could hardlyprehend her audacity in requesting his protection for Roscoe.


    Did she truly believe he wouldn’t viciously tear Roscoe apart in a frenzy of rage?


    “Enough pretense.


    You know full well why I make this demand.


    ” Nicole grew weary of dancing around the issue with Jarrod.


    With a mind sharpened by rity, she recognized that safeguarding Austin and Roscoe at Ardlens would remain an insurmountable challenge without Jarrod’s coboration.


    Now that his attention seemed to be on her, she reasoned it was time to turn the tables to her advantage.


    Her body was merely a vessel, expendablepared to her loved ones.


    “I’m relying on the fact that you’re infatuated with me,” Nicole stated bluntly.


    “If you help me out with this, I’ll allow you to have your way with me.


    But if you say no, just know that I’ll keep pushing for Austin’s custody.


    I’ve already taken care of Vicki, and I won’t hesitate to deal with anyone else who gets in my way.


    I’ll fight as hard as I need to.


    ”