Internally sighing, Wayne bemoaned Vicki's failure to recognize this harsh reality. If Jarrod had been easily swayed, he wouldn't have held much value. Should Jarrod be akin to the younger Wayne, with multiple spouses and numerous illegitimate offspring, he was hardly a desirable companion.

Dealing with someone like Jarrod presented only two choices. It was to either surrender entirely or persevere, eliciting his sympathy.

Causing harm to the woman he cherished was a no-no.

This principle was straightforward, and easily understood by Wayne but lost on Vicki, a clear case of being too close to discern it properly.

Jarrod remained unfazed by Wayne's words, displaying no hint of intimidation. He knew Wayne would undoubtedly recognize an opportunity and make use of it should any signs of being intimated on his part.

Jarrod's countenance remained composed. "Mr. Hampton, should anything unfortunate befall you during your visit around the Schultz Group, be assured that I will ensure a fitting farewell for you. I will also ‘attend to' your family."

Jarrod's words were a veiled threat, delivered with precision and clarity. Normally speaking, he eschewed empty threats and prolonged debates, favoring direct business strategies and decisive actions.

Wayne's expression shifted. "Mr. Schultz, what precisely do you imply? Are you insinuating a threat against my family? What exactly do you mean by ‘attend to'?"

“That's absurd!"

Wayne knew very well that Jarrod was threatening him with his family, his threats tinged with surgical precision.

Wayne's fury was tangible as he bellowed, “Do you think I still care about my aging vessel? If you're willing to forsake everything just for that woman, I'll batter my head against the gates of the Schultz Group! Let's see how the public reacts to the lavish funeral you said you would hold up for me!"

Jarrod's composure only deepened. “Feel free to try. But can you ensure the welfare of your offspring, especially those out of your wedlock? Are you truly that confident?"

“What nonsense are you uttering!" Wayne's voice quivered.

Jarrod, unfazed, replied, “I'm aware of your three children in Ardlens alone, not to mention those in Melver and Nicholsy. Your grandsons are studying abroad, three of them, if memory serves. Do you truly wish to abandon them, to miss their weddings and the births of their children?" He smirked. "That's a prospect you'd come to regret, wouldn't you?"

Wayne was astonished by Jarrod's intimate knowledge of his personal affairs. It dawned on him that Jarrod had been anticipating this confrontation all along. "Jarrod, are you truly prepared to engage in conflict with the Hampton family over that crazy woman? Have you thoroughly considered the consequences? Is she truly worth it?"

"Mr. Hampton, mind your language. She's the mother of my child,"

Jarrod retorted, his expression frosty.

Jarrod's tone cut like ice. “I've always shown you respect. Please extend the same courtesy to her. Otherwise, there will be no further interaction between the Schultz and Hampton families."

Jarrod's stance had evolved. Had Wayne not resorted to threats, he wouldn't have been concerned about financial repercussions. Wealth could always be regained. But Wayne's opportunism and lack of gratitude were unbearable. After all, his compensation was a considerable fortune. The nerve of Wayne resorting to threat after taking that hefty sum of money!

Wayne's complexion paled, and he began coughing uncontrollably, rendered speechless. His pitiful state almost evoked sympathy.