Nicole's hair was in disarray, her wet tears sticking to her lashes.

She felt like a helpless fish on a chopping block.

Just as their intimacy grew, a knock at the door broke the moment.

Jarrod's response was cold.

“Leave!”

Outside, Alec hesitated before speaking.

“Mr. Schultz, Miss Powell is unwell, She's asking for you."

Hearing Jamie's name brought Nicole a sense of relief.

Jarrod was about to continue, but his phone's persistent vibration interrupted him.

He pounded his fist on the coffee table's glass, stopping abruptly.

Nicole's respite was brief. Jarrod dressed, casually found a jacket for her, and took her with him.

They reached a villa Jarrod had bought for Jamie.

To their surprise, Jamie was at the entrance, visibly ill.

Jarrod ran to Jarrod, crying.

"Where have you been?"

Jarrod stroked her hair tenderly, his gaze soft.

"I'm here now."

Seeing Nicole in the car, Jamie's face hardened. She was upset Nicole was unharmed and still pregnant.

Unhappily, she asked, “Jarrod, why is Nicole here?"

Jarrod, his thoughts jumbled, simply nodded.