This left Nicole wrestling with guilt, regardless of the decisions she had made. The relief that Alec was still alive was a small comfort. His death would have been too much to bear.

The weight of silence hung between Jarrod and Nicole all the way to the hospital.

There, the doctor delivered a grave prognosis after examining Alec.

“Mr. Schultz, this gentleman is severely injured, but fortunately, his arm was amputated in time. Otherwise, he might never have regained consciousness."

"Ensure his survival at all costs," Jarrod commanded with an icy tone.

The doors to the surgery room shut firmly, sealing off any view for several hours.

When the doctor finally announced the surgery's completion, a fog lifted from Nicole's mind. Learning that Alec was no longer in immediate danger brought her a profound sense of relief.

Alec was subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit for further monitoring.

Shortly after, Jarrod left abruptly, delegating the task of communicating with Nicole to another assistant. The assistant conveyed that Jarrod had decided it was best for her to return home.

Alec wouldn't want her there upon awakening.

Feeling somewhat displaced, Nicole returned to the villa. There, she washed off the day's stress with a shower before deciding to see Austin.

That evening, after reciting a bedtime story to Austin, Nicole found herself staring at his pale lips, deep in thought.

Upon their departure from the Witch Valley, Nicole had salvaged a porcelain bottle abandoned by the chief, who had carried multiple bottles of pills for herself.

Besides what was administered to Roscoe, Nicole had swiftly secured an additional bottle of pills. Both she and Roscoe had consumed some of the contents.

Although she felt physically well, she had not been medically evaluated. Concerned about potential side effects, she decided not to administer any of the pills to Austin until she had more information.

Opting to monitor the situation longer, she eventually drifted into a deep sleep next to Austin.

The following morning Nicole awoke late, having slept more soundly than she had in a long time, the recent days of relentless anxiety having exhausted her. The comfort of Austin's nearness had contributed to her profound sleep.

Austin had eaten and left for his training with the family doctor by the time Nicole woke.

Descending the stairs, a maid approached Nicole to see if she wanted breakfast.

Nicole responded by asking for whatever was available.