One particularly frank doctor, speaking of Nicole's fragility, faced Jarrod's fury with a brutal assault.

Jarrod's accusations of incompetence flew as he stripped the doctor of his medical dignity.

Alec intervened swiftly, brokering a million-dollar settlement to quell the storm.

For the average person, such a sum was life-altering, and the doctor, overwhelmed, accepted it readily.

The hospital staff learned a hard lesson. Jarrod couldn't stomach the truth. Responses became vague, especially regarding mortality, to avoid Jarrod's wrath.

Some lucky souls escaped with their lives and a hefty settlement.

Others weren't so fortunate, meeting a violent end for their honesty.

As a result, everyone tiptoed around Jarrod, fearing the consequences.

Regarding Nicole's prolonged unconsciousness, the doctors offered vague explanations, hinting at the power of will to sustain life.

"A strong belief can fuel survival," one doctor remarked, Leaving the rest to speculation.

Jarrod listened intently, seated beside Nicole's bedside, gently holding her hand. "Nicole, don't you want to see your mom?"

Nicole drifted in a beautiful dream. In it, her parents were alive, and she remained the cherished heiress of the Lawrence family. She was wedded to Roscoe, and Austin brought boundless joy.

But then Jarrod intruded, a shadow in her heart, the root of her anguish and fury. She writhed in torment, screaming. Everyone vanished, including her parents, Austin and Roscoe.

Then, a whisper urged her awake. "Do you want to see them? Open your eyes if you do."

Nicole's eyes fluttered open, and Jarrod loomed over her. Waves of pain and sorrow crashed over her as memories flooded back. She winced through demanding, clenched teeth, "Where's Roscoe? Where is he?"

Jarrod's expression froze, joy replaced by a sneer. “Waking up and immediately asking for that man?"

Nicole's frail hand clenched Jarrod's, desperation evident. "Where is he? Where's Roscoe?"

Jarrod's lips twitched, his temper rising, tempted to lie and claim Roscoe had met a miserable end. But he held back, opting instead for a softer approach, wanting to give Nicole hope to live on. "He's nursing a leg injury, recovering in the hospital. When you're feeling up to it, I'll take you to see him," he reassured, a hint of concern in his voice.

The doctors had warned against shocking Nicole's fragile state.

The days of waiting before Nicole finally woke up had transformed Jarrod. He no longer harbored a desire to torment Nicole to her demise. Now, he simply wanted her alive, by his side.