Unruffled, Jarrod's face was a mask of strategic satisfaction.

"Remember the last chance I offered you last time? Are you ready to give me your answer now? Will you drop the lawsuit, or use up this last chance?"

Jarrod was convinced that Nicole, isolated and unsupported, would finally capitulate. Without Roscoe, who was there for her? Raising a child on her own seemed an absurd thought to him.

Clutching her fists, Nicole channeled the pain to quell her burning hatred. "Forget about taking Austin from me. I won't let him turn soulless and cold like you. You don't deserve to be a parent."

Jarrod's expression frosted over. He hadn't anticipated her unwavering stance. Roughly, he seized Nicole's collar. “Even if I don't deserve it, he's still my blood!"

"I had no choice! Do you think I'd willingly give birth to your child if I could choose? Do you think Austin wants you to be his father if granted a chance?"

Nicole's words struck a chord deep within Jarrod. Subconsciously, he felt she despised the child because it was his. She wanted a child with someone else, like Roscoe? Over his dead body!

Fury surged through Jarrod. He gritted his teeth. “He would! Many women in Ardlens want my child. You should feel lucky. Otherwise, did you think I'd tolerate your audacity?"

Nicole Laughed bitterly, tears welling. "You're too confident, Jarrod."

With a sneer, she continued, "Just to bear your child, they have to endure being your secret lover, accept your abuses, serve you like a maid, and endure your slaps... Hmph!"

Coldly, she added, “Ardlens doesn't have many degraded women like that! I had no choice. Meeting you is my worst luck, my karma. If I could, I'd wish you'd ignore me, so I wouldn't have to know you!"

Jarrod's figure faltered, retreating a step suddenly.

In an instant, he crushed the glass ruthlessly in his hand, blood oozing from his palm. Tomorrow seemed unnecessary. The confrontation was here and now.

Jarrod lifted his blood-soaked hand, accusingly pointing at her. "So, this is your decision? To want nothing to do with me?"

"Yes, it's exactly what I wish for," Nicole stated bluntly.

Jarrod stood frozen, a statue carved of ice. "Fine, fine, fine."

After a long pause, Jarrod finally spoke. “I'll grant your request, Nicole. Come to court tomorrow, and our dealings will be devoid of mercy. I won't go easy on you again."

Saying those words pained Jarrod deeply. It was evident to anyone that Nicole wanted nothing to do with him, yet he couldn't grasp it.

Repeatedly, he warned Nicole against defying him.

But Nicole merely smiled and replied, “Thank you." Love might fade, but not hatred. In Jarrod's presence, the animosity would reignite.