Alec assumed Jarrod had likely harbored hopes that yesterday's call would pave the path to reconciliation, explaining his urgent departure. Yet, the outcome remained disappointingly unchanged.

At that moment, Alec grasped the harsh reality that when women ceased to love, they could be unforgivingly merciless.

At the Oasis Apartment, Jarrod bid Alec farewell, instructing him not to wait, before ascending the steps alone.

Alec observed the towering figure vanish into the night, a pang of concern gripping him like witnessing an injured alpha wolf retreat into solitude to nurse its wounds.

The comparison unsettled Alec. After all, wolves were known for their unwavering monogamy.

As Jarrod pushed open the cold door, he was met with a haunting silence. The emptiness echoed his solitude.

The pristine table and floor, gleaming from the recent cleaning, only accentuated the loneliness of his presence.

Pouring himself a drink, he swallowed it down in one gulp before disappearing into the shower, hoping to wash away the fatigue that weighed heavy on his shoulders.

Returning to the familiar expanse of their once-shared bed, Jarrod found himself lost in thought for what felt like an eternity.

Reprimanding himself internally, he acknowledged that tonight marked the end of his emotional entanglement with Nicole. He couldn't allow her to hold sway over him any Longer.

Having navigated the treacherous waters of the underworld and emerged victorious from countless business skirmishes, it seemed inconceivable that he still couldn't purge her from his mind. She, a woman devoid of compassion, was not worthy of his continued affection.

The following day, Nicole arrived at the courthouse wearing a striking green coat, a hue that only she could wear with such alluring elegance.

Determined to present her best self in the face of impending judgment, Nicole found solace in Rhett's reassurance. “Miss Lawrence, rest assured. As long as Jarrod remains afflicted and compliant with his treatment, he stands no chance of gaining custody."

The notion of a parent, plagued by mental instability, caring for a young child was one that no legal system would condone.

Though partially reassured, Nicole remained wary. Jarrod awaited her next move, unaware of the ace she held up her sleeve, an advantage she intended to exploit to its fullest.

Glancing at his watch, Rhett broke the silence, asking, "Ready to head in?"

Nicole nodded, about to take a step forward when a piercing, scornful voice cut through the air.

“Well, well, look who's dressed in green. Trying to flaunt your affair with Jarrod?" The voice belonged unmistakably to Doreen.

Despite Nicole's intention to ignore the provocation, Doreen persisted, still seething over the disdainful glance Roscoe had cast her way during their last encounter. Even though Jarrod had assured her that Roscoe's memory loss would lead to acceptance, why did Roscoe continue to gaze at Nicole with such longing? He had never looked at her like that before.

Though Nicole tried to brush off Doreen's words, her gaze inevitably fell upon Roscoe, who stood beside Doreen in a dapper gray suit, clutching a white handbag. His thoughtful demeanor, once directed toward her, now lavished upon another.