Jarrod was sitting in a wheelchair, looking at her with a slight squint. "What were you so engrossed in thinking about?" She hadn't noticed his entrance at all.

Jarrod had always been suspicious. His previous words carried an undertone of doubt.

Nicole's heart skipped a bit. She looked away with feigned empty eyes to hide her panic.

Nicole observed that Jarrod's gaze, usually piercing, now held an unusual innocence as he took in the sight of her exposed back, adding an unintentional allure to the moment.

Jarrod stared unabashedly at Nicole, openly conveying his desire.

It was such an intense gaze. Nicole was stunned for a moment. She thought that if Jarrod was not confined to the wheelchair, he would have pinned her down to the bed by now.

She looked at him Indignantly and blurted out, "How dare you enter someone else's room without permission!"

As she spoke, she tried to fix her dress. However, she struggled with the stuck zipper. She had no choice but to drape her nightgown around her neck as a temporary shield.

When Jarrod saw this, his thin lips curled slightly. “What do you mean by someone else's room?

He wheeled his wheelchair closer and smoothly stopped in front of Nicole. "What's here isn't mine?"

Nicole knew what he meant. He was implying she was also his possession. Of course, she wouldn't allow him to dominate the conversation. She smirked and retorted sarcastically, “Mr. Schultz, delusion is an illness that urgently needs treatment."

Jarrod remained unfazed, exuding a confidence as if victory was already his. He fixed his eyes on her back again, and the corners of his lips curved. "Are you sure you don't need my help?"

Nicole was frustrated. She felt her efforts were as ineffective as punching cotton. No matter how much she talked back, he continued at his own pace.

"Thanks, but no need," Nicole said through clenched teeth. "Please go out. I want to take a shower."

“Do you mind if I join you?" Jarrod asked casually.

Nicole looked at him speechlessly. She thought he was too shameless.

“Mr. Schultz, please have a bit of decency. Besides, is your wound no longer painful?"

Her icy tone reminded him of what had happened the last time he wanted to get close to her.

Much to Nicole's surprise, Jarrod was more amenable today. He only nodded in agreement without making things difficult for her. "ALL right. I'll just wait for you, then."

Nicole was stunned for a moment. She looked at him in confusion.