"I never said that," Jarrod retorted, his tone icy.

"What?" Hallie exclaimed, baffled. "You mentioned sending her to study piano. Isn't that the same as getting her out?"

“I intend to send her, but only after her fifteen-day detention. Alec will then take her abroad to learn not just about piano but also proper conduct," Jarrod clarified.

Hallie was at a loss for words. Jarrod had not only refused to get Doreen out but also planned to send her abroad. Was he insane?

“Jarrod, have you lost your mind? Are you so under your wife's influence that you'd disregard your own family?" Hallie questioned, her voice trembling with anger.

In her rage, Hallie spoke without thinking. "Have you forgotten who supported you when everyone else turned their backs? When your family faced those threats, I was the one who intervened to support you. And this is how you repay me?" Tears streamed down her face as she voiced her despair.

Jarrod's response was chilling. “If I had truly forgotten, Doreen would be facing more than just fifteen days.”

His words cut through the air, halting Hallie's sobs abruptly.

“Enough. Doreen's temperament is not suited for any business. Whether she is detained or not doesn't make a difference. Your pampering her will only ruin her eventually. I will ensure her future is well taken care of. This discussion is over." With that, Jarrod ended the call, unwilling to entertain any more of Hallie's complaints.

Jarrod had resolved to send Doreen abroad not only for her education but also to delve into the affairs of the Watts family. Doreen's continued presence at home could complicate matters. After all, she was still connected to the Watts family through marriage.

Jarrod sensed that something sinister was unfolding within the Watts family. Sending Doreen away was partly to shield her from potential harm. These were complexities he hadn't divulged to Hallie. Hallie might inadvertently reveal something critical. Her lack of discretion could jeopardize their position.

Glancing at his phone, Jarrod was reminded of his original task. He dialed Nicole's number. His phone screen read “Honey”, a change he had made just after they got their marriage certificate.

The phone rang repeatedly but went unanswered.

A frown formed on Jarrod's face as he tried calling again, only to find her phone switched off.

Annoyed, Jarrod pressed the intercom and instructed Alec, "Go to the hospital and check if my wife is still there."

“Right away, sir," Alec replied promptly.

Meanwhile, Hallie was seething, after Jarrod abruptly ended their call. She couldn't grasp the overwhelming influence Jarrod's wife seemed to wield over him. For Nicole's sake, Jarrod seemed willing to sideline his own kin.

Swiftly, Hallie made a call, “Find out where that woman, Nicole, is.”

Over the years, Hallie had cultivated a network in Ardlens, using her wealth to gather information and exert influence. Her eyes flashed with malicious intent. She was determined to confront Nicole who had disrupted her daughter's Life.

At the hospital, Jamie was still receiving emergency treatment.