“Yes, my new place hasn't been occupied in some time. I've had it aired out, but it will be a few days before it's ready for us to move in. I've arranged for the nanny to stay here with Austin in the meantime," Roscoe explained.

The mention of Austin caused Nicole's eyelashes to flutter once more.

Roscoe caught this and gently offered, "Nicole, would you like to go upstairs and check on him? Austin is probably asleep by now."

Meanwhile, Alec was stationed in a car below the hotel, vigilant.

A sleek black luxury car glided to a stop nearby, prompting Alec to swiftly exit his vehicle and approach.

The car window descended, revealing Jarrod's pale, yet strikingly handsome face.

Following a critical emergency at the hospital, Jarrod developed a fever soaring above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that night, threatening his lung tissue. His lungs, already vulnerable, necessitated a hospital stay of five days to achieve some stability.

Jarrod was still not fully recovered. Despite his doctor's warnings against smoking, he clung to his cigarettes, smoking incessantly.

Alec relayed to Jarrod all of Nicole's actions since she had departed from the restaurant.

Lifting his eyelids slightly, Jarrod eyed the shimmering entrance of the hotel and queried, "Here?"

Alec confirmed with a nod, choosing to remain silent beyond this.

Some truths were understood without needing to be voiced. Adults visiting a hotel late at night together typically had reasons other than work.

In a swift movement, Jarrod extended his hand, and Alec, understanding the silent command, handed over his phone with hands that shook slightly. He played the video he had just captured. It showed Nicole and Roscoe making their way into the hotel together.

As they climbed the steps, Nicole nearly lost her balance but was quickly steadied by Roscoe. He then took her hand, holding onto it until they disappeared inside.

Each shift in Jarrod's expression seemed to tighten the noose around Alec's already strained nerves. He anticipated a storm of rage from Jarrod.

However, even after viewing the entire video, Jarrod's face was devoid of any reaction. His brows remained unknit, his gaze steady.

Then, unexpectedly, a smile crept across his face.

It was a strange, sudden smile that did nothing to lighten the pallor of his face but instead cast a shadow of moroseness and ill health.

Alec found this smile perplexing and, knowing Jarrod, a bad omen.

Without a word, Jarrod deftly dialed a number with Alec's phone.