When Nicole returned to the villa late that evening, the housekeeper was there to welcome her. “Madam, you're back. We have some soup and dishes ready. Which would you prefer?"

“No, thank you," Nicole replied, shaking her head. “I've already eaten."

Noting that Nicole wasn't interested in food, the housekeeper wished her a good night and retired.

Nicole, feeling exhausted, ascended the stairs without bothering to turn on the lights. The moonlight was sufficient for her to navigate to her wardrobe, select some clothes, and then get changed in the bathroom.

After her shower, Nicole finally switched on the bedside lamp, and to her surprise, Jarrod was sitting on the sofa. "When did you arrive?" she asked, startled.

Nicole hadn't noticed Jarrod when she entered the house. Recently, Jarrod had been arriving home late, tangled in the affairs of the Hampton family, sometimes not coming home at all, though he always informed Nicole of his whereabouts.

"I've been here since you came in," Jarrod answered.

Nicole was left speechless. "Why didn't you say anything?" The realization that he had witnessed her changing under the moonlight, though faint, washed over her with embarrassment. Just thinking about it colored her cheeks a deep red.

"A man like me, right here. What kept you so distracted that you didn't even notice me?" Jarrod's voice carried a playful edge as he approached, his tall figure looming near the bed.

“Um, nothing, really," Nicole mumbled in response.

Jarrod hummed a soft note and then inquired, “Where were you today?"

"I went to visit my mom and Kamilah," Nicole responded, deliberately leaving out her encounters with Roscoe and Jamie. Considering Roscoe's tangled affairs with Doreen and the enigmatic presence of the woman experienced in witchcraft, she was certain Jarrod would stand by Doreen without question. Jarrod, having few living family members, had forged a strong bond with Doreen's family.

Nicole noticed Jarrod's unusual attentiveness toward Doreen, uncharacteristic of his usual indifference. It seemed clear to Nicole that Jarrod valued Doreen and Hallie.

After hearing Nicole's reply, Jarrod remained silent for a moment.

This silence unsettled Nicole, particularly because she was cornered between him and the wall. A subtle scent of alcohol lingered in the air, prompting her to inquire, "Have you been drinking?"

Jarrod merely grunted in response.

"I'll have the maid prepare some hangover soup for you," Nicole offered, eager to find an excuse to leave the awkward encounter.

Jarrod nodded and moved aside, allowing Nicole to quickly exit the room.

As he watched her depart, Jarrod mulled over a conversation he'd had with Alec earlier this day.

Alec had gathered significant information, revealing that the woman Nicole rushed to the hospital as Melissa was actually Jamie.