With a nod of acknowledgment, the maid retreated, determined to be more attentive to Nicole's needs in the future. Jarrod's effort to familiarize himself with Nicole's preferred meals spoke volumes about the significance he attached to her. Nicole was unquestionably special.

The next morning, post-breakfast, Nicole approached the maid with a winsome smile. “Could you please tell Mr. Schultz to come see me?" she inquired politely.

Though Jarrod had granted her three days to contemplate, Nicole felt no need for such deliberation. Austin's safety could not afford delay.

Before long, Jarrod made his entrance, his arrival suffusing the room with a heavy, stifling aura.

“I accept your conditions, Nicole murmured, her tone tinged with a touch of resignation."

Jarrod displayed no surprise at her decision. Individuals with tender spots were easily swayed, and for Nicole, her loved ones were her Achilles' heel. The mere contemplation of being torn away from her mother or her son was something Nicole couldn't fathom. With them under his sway, coercing her compliance was child's play.

Jarrod had abstained from leveraging this due to a pitiful shred of self-assurance. Yet, the outcome had exposed the folly of his assurance, as Nicole harbored no emotional attachment to him.

“But I have a condition," Nicole stated.

A chuckle escaped Jarrod's lips at her words. After all, it wouldn't be Nicole if she didn't assert herself.

"Very well, proceed," Jarrod drawled.

Nicole's steely gaze locked onto Jarrod's, her every word saturated with purposeful meaning. "I need you to guarantee that Roscoe will be safe for the rest of his life, and that nothing bad will happen to him."

As her words hung in the air, a tangible tension thickened the atmosphere.

Jarrod's countenance shifted noticeably, darkening with intensity.

After a pregnant pause, Jarrod emitted a scornful chuckle. "Nicole, how dare you attempt to negotiate with me?"

Jarrod could hardly comprehend her audacity in requesting his protection for Roscoe. Did she truly believe he wouldn't viciously tear Roscoe apart in a frenzy of rage?

“Enough pretense. You know full well why I make this demand." Nicole grew weary of dancing around the issue with Jarrod. With a mind sharpened by clarity, she recognized that safeguarding Austin and Roscoe at Ardlens would remain an insurmountable challenge without Jarrod's collaboration.

Now that his attention seemed to be on her, she reasoned it was time to turn the tables to her advantage. Her body was merely a vessel, expendable compared to her loved ones.

"I'm relying on the fact that you're infatuated with me," Nicole stated bluntly. “If you help me out with this, I'll allow you to have your way with me. But if you say no, just know that I'll keep pushing for Austin's custody. I've already taken care of Vicki, and I won't hesitate to deal with anyone else who gets in my way. I'll fight as hard as I need to."

Jarrod moved closer quietly, each step intentional.

Nicole faced his cold, intimidating stare, her heart racing. It was hard not to feel nervous. If Jarrod chose to attack her here, in his own place, she wouldn't stand a chance.