Given the medicine's inherent bitterness, it should be consumed quickly to prevent an upset stomach. However, Jarrod preferred being spoon-fed by Nicole.

After he had taken all his medicine, Nicole dabbed his mouth with a tissue, much like one would care for a patient.

Showing a hint of vulnerability, Jarrod said to Nicole in a softer tone, “Thank you."

Their interaction was notably calm, a first for them.

Breaking the silence, Nicole said, “Jarrod, I need to inform my family and have some work to catch up on. May I use my phone?"

Handing her his phone, Jarrod said, “Feel free."

“I need my phone, though."

Adjusting the angle of his bed, Jarrod gave her a smirk and asked, “And who do you intend to reach with your phone?"

"I have some orders to take care of..."

Before Nicole could elaborate, Jarrod interrupted with a laugh and said, "From this moment, you're to avoid any interaction or communication with anyone named Watts, or they'll face consequences."

Nicole responded sharply, “Jarrod, what makes you think I'll obey you?"

Nicole pondered Roscoe's return to the Watts family might actually be a blessing in disguise. At the very least, Jarrod would have to reconsider any actions against Roscoe.

"Do you believe Roscoe's association with the Watts family makes him invulnerable?" Jarrod seemed to read Nicole's mind.

He then abruptly held her chin tightly and said, "Nicole, you're underestimating me."

Undeterred, Nicole retorted, "Jarrod, is intimidation all you're capable of? Have you become so desperate that you resort to these measures?"

Jarrod replied with a sneer, "As long as it works on you."

He was indifferent to the method as long as it served his purpose.

Whether it was pulling the Schultz family from the brink of disaster or executing grand plans, his methods had always been unyielding.

Just like Jarrod had once reclaimed the reins of the Schultz empire with sheer determination, he aimed to ensure Nicole remained by his side, employing that same determination. The woman Jarrod set his sights on would remain untouched by others.

"There's nothing inappropriate between Roscoe and me. You're seeing things that aren't there," Nicole asserted.