In essence, Alec hoped, for Jarrod's sake, that Nicole's child didn't actually exist.

Jarrod gave Alec a cold look. "Not a bad idea. Why don't you go have a child with Miss Hampton?"

Alec shivered. "Mr. Schultz, please, that was out of line. I won't overstep again." He understood that Jarrod was telling him to keep his opinions to himself.

Jarrod waved him off, rubbing his temples. “Let Shay handle the search for the child. You focus on the company."

Alec bit his lip, regretting his earlier words. He was well aware of Nicole's special place in Jarrod's heart, and any child of hers would undoubtedly be crucial to him.

The car window was half-open when suddenly, a white bird flew in and perched on Jarrod's shoulder.

Stunned, Alec quickly recognized it. “Isn't this Miss Hampton's pet bird?"

Jarrod also recognized it.

Vicki cherished this little white bird, which was pure white and strikingly elegant. She usually lavished it with attention. Jarrod had interacted with it a few times before.

From the driver's seat, Alec noted, "Miss Hampton usually keeps such a close watch on it. It's unusual for it to have flown off like this."

The bird seemed comfortable with Jarrod, not attempting to flee but gently pecking at his collar.

Alec laughed. "Mr. Schultz, it looks like it really likes you. Miss Hampton has had it for over a year, and it remembers you more than it does her, despite seeing you only a few times. Such an ungrateful little thing."

"Should I take it..." Before Alec could finish, a soft snap interrupted him.

"Squeak..." The little white bird lay lifeless in Jarrod's hand, utterly still.

Alec was shocked. This was Vicki's beloved pet, and Jarrod had just killed it...

Jarrod looked down at the motionless bird in his hand, its white feathers still pristine even in death. What a shame. It just wouldn't listen. Much like Nicole.

Jarrod's frustration was palpable as his thoughts once again shifted to Nicole. He had devoted so much care to her, trying to win her over and handling her delicately, yet she had fled without a second thought. Disobedient birds deserved punishment, and people weren't any exception.

He was confident he would capture her eventually. He just hadn't decided on her punishment yet. Nicole was stubborn and resilient.

Most importantly, she didn't quite take to him despite his efforts, much like this bird, having fled away from its cage. At times, he wished... He wished he could just break her.

Jarrod told Alec to keep driving and casually tossed the bird's body into a trash bin, his expression icily detached. Once he recaptured Nicole, he would ensure she could never escape again. Even in death, she would only perish in his grip.