"I need to take care of something," Jarrod replied, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Nicole's illness.

Hatred simmered in Jamie, but she did not show it. Instead, she adopted a softer tone and said, “Jarrod, something happened while you were unconscious."

"What was it?"

"A man came to see Nicole. He says he's the father of her child."

“What did you say?" Jarrod asked, appalled. His expression darkened, and his handsome face was almost terrifying.

“Nicole is pregnant. And while you were unconscious, she paid off the 80 million loan. I don't know how she got the money. She denies the child is his, but we can't be sure," Jamie timidly explained.

Jamie closely observed Jarrod and was satisfied when she saw his expected reaction. Then, she dropped another bombshell.

"Jarrod, her illness was a lie. She doesn't have stomach cancer. It's just ulcers."

“How do you know?"

Although Jarrod's expression remained unchanged, a crimson hue spread in his cold, ruthless eyes. It hinted at a deep, unspoken fury that made others shiver.

“Come in," Jamie beckoned to someone outside. A young nurse then entered.

“This nurse cared for Nicole's parents. Ask her."

Jarrod stared at the nurse with an icy gaze and commanded, “Think carefully before you speak."

The nurse felt as if her soul was gripped by Jarrod's presence. She feared that a single misstep could be her undoing.

She didn't dare to fabricate a story and told Jarrod what she had heard.

"Miss Lawrence told her parents that she only had stomach ulcers. I'm not lying. You can go to their ward and verify."

In fact, those were Nicole's words to comfort her parents. Little did she know Jamie would twist them so.

Jamie dismissed the nurse and called in the surgeon Jarrod had met before.

"Doctor, please tell Jarrod about Miss Lawrence's condition," Jamie ordered.

With trembling hands, the doctor handed Jarrod the diagnostic report.