“I “Before Jarrod couldplete his sentence, Nicole felt a wave of nausea and began to gag.
“Ugh…” she groaned.
The unexpected noise caused Jarrod to frown.
“What’s wrong?”Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.
“I… I’m fine… Ugh…” Nicole struggled to speak as she gagged again.
She quickly covered her mouth and hurried to the office restroom.
Having visited here frequently before, she knew exactly where it was.
Inside, with the door shut, the sound of Nicole’s retching filled the space, deepening Jarrod’s frown.
Nicole’s stomach continued to churn, resulting in several minutes of dry heaving and producing only a bit of saliva.
This pregnancy was proving to be particrly challenging for her, with severe and ufortable symptoms.
In the restroom, Nicole took deep breaths to steady her heart rate and maintain herposure.
Eventually, she calmed herself.
After rinsing her mouth, she slowly exited the restroom.
To her astonishment, Jarrod was waiting right outside the door.
His 6’2″ stature and formidable presence appeared quite intimidating.
He gazed at Nicole and asked softly, “What’s troubling you?”
Nicole’s heart raced.
She masked her nervousness, saying, “I think I mixed hot porridge with something cold this morning.
It didn’t sit well with my stomach,”
Despite her rationalization, Jarrod remained in the doorway, his presence intensifying her anxiety.
Feelingpelled to exin further, she added, “I’ve always had a sensitive stomach.
”
Jarrod observed her silently for a few seconds before he finally moved aside.
“If you’re feeling unwell, you should consult a doctor,” he suggested, his tone detached.
Nicole perceived hisment not as a concern but perhaps as a sign that Rhett’s intervention was having an impact.
They shared a child, and preserving a cordial rtionship was essential for their child’s well-being.
Nicole nodded and said, “I will.
”
She then asked, “Why did you call me here?”
“I’m willing to let you see Austin,” Jarrod answered directly.
Nicole’s face lit up with happiness, but it was quickly shadowed by concern.
“What do you expect in return?” she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Jarrod was not known for his generosity, especially not about matters involving their child.
Although Rhett had mentioned he would speak with Jarrod, Nicole was skeptical that Jarrod could be persuaded so easily.
It seemed highly unlikely that Jarrod wouldpromise just because of one discussion.
Noticing the caution in Nicole’s eyes, Jarrod gave a knowing smirk.
“There are conditions.
”
Nicole chuckled.
She knew it.
She was uncertain if she could meet Jarrod’s demands.
While she was prepared to do anything for Austin, she couldn’tmit if it required sacrifices from others.
As a mother, her willingness to sacrifice was boundless, but she couldn’t expect the same from others for the sake of her child.
“Tell me,” Nicole said.
Jarrod said, “I want absolute say in our child’s future nning.
” He envisioned Austin carrying on the Schultz legacy.
Once Austin’s health improved, Jarrod did not intend to raise a soft child.
He nned to groom Austin rigorously.
Nicole was surprised that Jarrod’s request was rtively straightforward.
It seemed Jarrod was considering preparing Austin to take over his role.
This was an area where Jarrod deserved some influence.
Although Nicole would prefer for Austin to follow his own dreams, she recognized Jarrod’s offer as apromise and didn’t want to cause friction.
“Alright, you can have a say in his future nning,” Nicole agreed.
“And the child must take myst name, Schultz,” Jarrod said.
Compared to the prospect of being separated from her son, the idea of Austin adopting Jarrod’s surname was not hard to ept for Nicole.
It at least indicated that Jarrod acknowledged Austin’s significance in his life.
“Alright.
” Nicole wasn’t interested in disputing these points.
Her primary focus was on reuniting with Austin as soon as possible.
“And you are not allowed to remarry,” Jarrod dered another condition.