"Get in," Jarrod commanded, his voice harsh and authoritative.

Nicole hesitated, her mind filled with concerns about leaving Roscoe behind. Although the fire had significantly reduced the threat of the parasites, she couldn't be sure all were eliminated. Her trust in the remaining bodyguards was shaky, particularly because one of them had previously failed to hold onto Roscoe.

This was not the moment for what-ifs, however. Nicole knew Jarrod too well. Once he decided on something, no argument could sway him.

Jarrod, noticing her reluctance, added icily, "If you don't want him to be tonight's feast for the wild animals, you'll board now."

With those words, Jarrod turned and ascended the rope ladder into the helicopter.

Nicole felt the sting in his words and the stress washed over her, paling her face. She recognized the growing divide between her and Jarrod, one that seemed insurmountable.

At that moment, Roscoe, sensing her hesitation, reassured her gently, “Nicole, I'll be okay. Go with Mr. Schultz. I'll catch the next one."

Roscoe's concern wasn't for himself but for leaving Nicole in such perilous conditions. His priority was ensuring her safety by departing the area as swiftly as possible.

Nicole understood that her insistence on staying might only escalate the situation and put Roscoe at greater risk. With the current turmoil surrounding her father's case and the Watts family, she knew now was not the time to provoke Jarrod.

Turning to the three bodyguards, Nicole did not immediately meet Roscoe's gaze but instead issued a firm directive. "Ensure Mr. Watts is well looked after. Should anything happen to him, you will be held personally accountable." Her voice was stern, imbued with commanding authority.

Nicole's concern for Roscoe's safety in these bodyguards' care wasn't unfounded. Just now, in her and Jarrod's presence, one of the bodyguards dared to release Roscoe at the critical moment. She wasn't sure if they would overstep in her and Jarrod's absence.

Recognizing Nicole as Jarrod's wife, the bodyguards did not slacken their diligence. "Yes, ma'am," they replied.

Nicole nodded in acknowledgment, certain that her status as Jarrod's wife reinforced their obedience.

Roscoe's expression briefly betrayed sadness, which he quickly concealed.

Turning to Roscoe, Nicole remarked, "See you in Ardlens." Her voice was clear and firm, ensuring the bodyguards grasped the gravity of her directive.

Roscoe gave a subtle nod in acknowledgment. He watched silently as Nicole boarded the helicopter, concealing his emotions.

Inside the helicopter, the air was tense and cold. Jarrod's presence was icy and silent, adding to the chill.

Nicole, sitting in silence, clearly felt uneasy. Jarrod's coldness was unlike anything she had previously witnessed. She was familiar with his many facets, be it his violence, his warmth with others and his casual demeanor with her. But this frosty aloofness was new.

Nicole's thoughts also lingered on Alec, whose importance to Jarrod had deepened significantly since both Jarrod and Alec had lost their parents. Alec, family-like to Jarrod, was central in Jarrod's life.

Nicole couldn't help but feel a profound sense of responsibility considering Alec's grave injury risk. She could have warned Jarrod sooner to avoid the falling tree. Yet, at that crucial moment, her attention was entirely focused on Roscoe, left defenseless by the deserting bodyguard.