Jarrod chose Nicole after thorough consideration. But he didn't elaborate on these details to Hallie and chose instead to return to the main issue. "I've looked into Doreen's issue. She was involved in the assault, but she didn't administer the drug. Her charges won't be serious. She'll probably face a maximum of fifteen days of detention."

"Detention?" Hallie sounded like she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "For a whole of fifteen days?" Hearing Jarrod casually talk about a fifteen-day detention for her beloved daughter was too much for her to handle.

"Jarrod, I had spoiled Doreen her whole life. How can she cope with something like this? Keeping her in detention for fifteen days is like a death sentence for me!" Hallie said between choked sobs, "Jarrod, you have to do something for Doreen. How could your wife target Doreen like this?"

Hallie was livid. "Considering our family connections, how could your wife simply report Doreen to the police? How could she treat Doreen this way? You need to make her justify her actions to me!"

Jarrod let out a cold laugh. "So, Doreen can't handle hardship. Did she ever care about the pain she caused to the person she attacked?"

Hallie was stunned by his words. She had never thought about anyone else's suffering. Her mind was only on her daughter.

Jarrod's face was cold as he said, "Hallie, the person Doreen attacked is my wife, her aunt. You want me to help Doreen. Then who is going to make things right for my wife?"

Hallie was taken aback by Jarrod's response. Was his wife really so important to him? “Jarrod, Doreen was wrong to hit your wife. I'll make sure she apologizes, but remember, Doreen is part of your family. You can't just push her aside because you got married. You can't abandon Doreen.. Doreen must be terrified right now..." Her voice broke, making her sound pitiful.

Jarrod felt a stab of guilt. When the Schultz family went through tough times, Hallie's family was the only one that didn't turn their backs and even offered some help.

Noticing Jarrod's hesitance, Hallie's tears became more pitiful. She sensed his resolve weakening and thus took the chance.

“Jarrod, you must help Doreen!" Hallie pleaded, her voice laden with desperation.

In Hallie's mind, persuading Nicole to drop the charges was a straightforward task for Jarrod. As his wife, Nicole should heed his advice. To do otherwise would be defiant.

Hallie regarded Nicole as an average person, lacking any significant influence. She suspected Nicole had maneuvered her way into Jarrod's life using charm and the birth of their child.

Hallie didn't respect Nicole, considering her unworthy of Jarrod.

Surely, Jarrod would prioritize blood relations over a woman with no power or status, right? Could he really disregard his own family for someone so insignificant? She doubted it.

After a brief silence, Jarrod responded thoughtfully, “Hallie, didn't Doreen take an interest in piano recently? I've arranged for her to learn from an international piano master abroad. This should also help mature her character."

Hallie assumed the issue was settled. Jarrod's words seemed to indicate he would assist Doreen. Relieved, she smiled. "Jarrod, I knew you would support Doreen. She admires you greatly. We can talk about her piano lessons once she's free."

To Hallie, Jarrod was ready to intervene on Doreen's behalf, much to her delight.

But then Jarrod added, “Doreen is not a child anymore. Her irresponsible actions must be confronted. This will be a good Lesson for her, to curb her impulsive nature."

“What?” Hallie was taken aback. Hadn't Jarrod just hinted at securing Doreen's release? “What do you mean? You just promised to get Doreen out!" She raised her voice.