Therefore, her stance was not about neglecting Austin's safety but about maintaining her principles and not forsaking those who had supported her. This was the same principle she taught Austin.

Jarrod looked at Nicole intently for a long moment. Then, he announced, "Your clothes will be brought to you. Get dressed and come downstairs."

With that, he left the room.

Nicole let out a sigh of relief. She then fell back onto the bed, exhausted. Although Jarrod had not explicitly consented, he had not firmly rejected her either. His response left some room for negotiation.

Shortly after, a housekeeper knocked and entered with clothes for her.

Nicole dressed in the outfit provided. The housekeeper had already laid out breakfast on the table and mentioned, “Miss, Mr. Schultz requests that you have your breakfast before coming downstairs."

Nicole was unsure of Jarrod's intentions, but her stomach grumbled from the fatigue and discomfort of the previous night.

The breakfast aroma was simply irresistible. She sat down and ate, feeling somewhat at ease.

Downstairs, Nicole found Jarrod lounging on the couch, legs crossed, absorbed in the newspaper. In front of him was a cup of iced Americano.

Over the years, Jarrod's routine of skipping breakfast and starting his day with just an iced Americano for energy had not changed.

Noticing Nicole, Jarrod put aside the newspaper, finished his coffee in one swift gulp, stood up, and walked toward the door.

Uncertain of what Jarrod intended, Nicole followed him.

By the time Nicole reached the door, Jarrod had already gotten in the car, the back door open, with the driver ready to close it after her.

Nicole lowered her head, climbed into the car, and sat on Jarrod's right side.

The driver closed the door and started the car.

Nicole looked confused. "Where are we going?"

Jarrod answered shortly, “To the city hall.”

"What?" Nicole's eyes widened in shock. She asked, “Jarrod, what are you saying?"

Jarrod stopped what he was doing, turned to her surprised face, and said mockingly, "I've agreed to your terms."

"But you said all I needed to do was stay with you..." Nicole was baffled. This "stay" certainly did not mean getting legally married.