Throughout the ordeal, Roscoe remained silent, enduring the pain with gritted teeth. Even as blood trickled from his mouth, indicating his severe injuries, he bore the pain stoically.

Roscoe's father, torn between anger and concern, lamented, “Roscoe, don't resent me. I aim for your dignity to rise. Do you wish to be labeled a bastard forever?"

Roscoe, blood staining his lips, responded with difficulty, "I won't depend on marriage for my status. I made that clear when I came back. I refuse to be part of such an alliance."

"You!" Roscoe's father, overcome with frustration, pointed at Roscoe, speechless with anger.

Roscoe, his face pale and drenched in sweat, managed to rise, standing tall once again. As he stood, his presence seemed to overshadow his father, his demeanor turning commanding and formidable.

"Remember your promise. Once I secure the position, you'll allow me the freedom to choose my path."

Roscoe's father watched Roscoe leave the room, Roscoe's walk unsteady yet determined. Frustrated, he tapped his cane. Roscoe was indomitable!

Raegan was jolted awake by Elin's urgent call.

Elin sounded distraught and panicked over the phone. "Raegan, something awful has happened. Nicole just called me, saying she's killed someone!"

Raegan bolted upright. “What did you say!"

Between sobs, Elin managed to relay the story to Raegan.

Elin had intended to ask Nicole a question, only to have Nicole answer the phone in a shaken voice, confessing she had killed someone!

Afterward, Nicole's phone went dead.

Elin wept. "“Raegan, what are we going to do?"

Raegan, although alarmed, tried to soothe Elin, “Calm down first. Did Nicole say anything else?"

Elin strained her memory and then added, "I think I overheard someone mentioning 'Mr. Schultz' in the background, but that was all."

Mr. Schultz? Raegan connected the dots to Mr. Schultz in Nicole's life. That had to be Jarrod!

Raegan reassured Elin, “Don't worry. I know who to contact. I'll get more information and update you."

Ending the call, Raegan immediately contacted Mitchel.

Mitchel answered swiftly. “Raegan, what's the matter?"