Doreen was taken aback, realizing the depth of Jarrod's silence held more than she had ever known. Her surprise was evident as she inquired, "Jarrod, have you been acquainted with her for long?"

Jarrod's response was soft but firm. "She's Nicole."

"Nicole!" Doreen gasped, covering her mouth in astonishment. "The very Nicole..."

The revelation hit Doreen. So, the woman before her was precisely the one Jarrod had cherished for a decade.

"I finally get to meet the woman who fascinates Jarrod!" Doreen exclaimed, her words stunning those around her.

Nicole understood Doreen was oblivious to the full story, suggesting her remark was made in innocence. Yet, if Jarrod's doings were driven by mere obsession, it would paint him in a disturbing light.

The steam from Shrimp and Grits clouded their vision, obscuring the tense atmosphere.

Unseen by others, Roscoe's hands were clenched tightly, his knuckles whitening under the strain. His eyes, usually clear, now appeared misty, the distance across the table amplifying his sense of isolation.

The aroma of Shrimp and Grits was overwhelming for Nicole, giving her a sense of nausea. Her complexion turned increasingly pale as she struggled to free her hand from Jarrod's grasp, her discomfort evident.

Jarrod's expression grew colder with Nicole's evident rejection, his icy demeanor somehow accentuating his allure.

Such stoicism, paradoxically, held a magnetic charm that wasn't Lost on the women of Ardlens, including the waitresses who couldn't help but steal glances at the enigmatic Jarrod.

Doreen, familiar with the attention Jarrod commanded, noted his perpetual aloofness. While his handsome features were undeniably attractive, they sometimes bordered on unsettling. In contrast, she found Roscoe's warm, ever-present smile and handsome appearance more appealing.

In a less crowded setting, Nicole might have given in to her frustration.

As she attempted to pull away, Jarrod's grip tightened even more, his hand pressing into hers. His smile, though charming, carried an unsettling edge as he whispered a veiled threat about Nicole's so-called relative's company's survival into her ear.

Nicole's reaction was one of shock. She raised her eyes to meet his.

Jarrod's expression remained impassive, betraying no sign of the ominous suggestion he had just made. It seemed as if his words might have been a figment of her imagination.

Nicole ceased her struggle, pondering the implications of his statement. Was he aware of something, or was it merely a ploy?

Observing her hesitation, Jarrod's gaze grew more intense. He relaxed his hold slightly but maintained contact, extending his hand to feed her a spoonful of Shrimp and Grits she found repulsive.

After a brief pause, Nicole acquiesced, opening her mouth to accept the food.

Doreen watched the interaction, a mix of amusement and awe on her face. This display of tenderness from Jarrod was unprecedented in her eyes.