Vicki waved her hand dismissively. "I've said you'll see him, but..."

Vicki paused, her smile turning sly. “You'll need to meet my conditions."

“Okay." Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I'll do what you ask, as long as I get to see Austin."

"Make sure you dress appropriately," Vicki added, her smile chilling.

Nicole felt a surge of apprehension, but recognized she had little choice. She needed to prioritize Austin's and Kamilah's safety, even if it meant sacrificing her own pride. However, she resolved that if Vicki pushed her too far, she would take drastic measures that would surprise even herself. She hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Back at the hospital, Jarrod finished his video meeting and was compelled by his doctor to return to bed for rest.

Alec, seeing him, dutifully reported, “Sir, Miss Lawrence called earlier, but I didn't interrupt your meeting."

Jarrod's face, marked by impassive brows and eyes, masked his inner thoughts, rendering them unreadable.

Amidst the enveloping quiet, Alec broke the silence and declared, "Miss Lawrence requested to see the child, but I denied her. Your son has just started to smile again. I don't want him to slide back into gloom."

Jarrod's reaction was muted, almost as if in agreement with Alec's decision.

Breathing out a long sigh, Alec felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

He was certain Jarrod, severely injured this time, would no Longer concern himself with Nicole or show any further interest.

It wasn't just physical scars. Jarrod's heart had taken a beating too.

A detached person like him, once wounded, would invariably shut himself off, exactly as he was doing now. He was desperate and heartbroken.

For a man, nothing stung more than seeing the woman he loved, love another.

Nicole had fallen for Roscoe, and forcing her to stay with Jarrod would only prolong their misery. Jarrod had shown restraint. He didn't trouble her much, focusing his frustrations on Roscoe instead, which was commendable under the circumstances.

Jarrod asked no questions, prompting Alec to hold his tongue.

The pleas Alec had repeatedly made to Nicole on Jarrod's behalf had fallen on deaf ears, which was truly heartbreaking.

As for the allegations that Vicki posed a threat to Austin, Alec kept vigilant. He closely monitored any potential danger to Austin.

Although he had yet to see any signs of Vicki's malice toward Austin, he remained alert, just in case.