When the maid returned with her meal, Nicole inquired, “Has my husband returned yet?"

The maid replied with a shake of her head, "No, ma'am, he hasn't."

Nicole fell silent, presuming that Alec was still unconscious.

It was unusual for Nicole to ask about Jarrod, a fact the maid noted Hesitating, the maid then offered, “Ma'am, would you like to call Mr. Schultz?"

"No need," Nicole said, brushing off the idea with a wave of her hand. At this time, Jarrod was likely at the hospital or deeply engaged in his work. Even if she reached out to him, what could she say? His mind seemed already made up, his assumption of her indifference to him like a tight knot that no amount of explanation could loosen.

After finishing her dinner, Nicole spent some time with Austin before heading to the hospital.

This morning, Nicole got a text from Roscoe, Letting her know he had returned safe and sound. It seemed Jarrod had kept his word and not caused any trouble for Roscoe.

Roscoe was currently in the hospital for a thorough check-up. He had also urged Nicole to undergo an examination, worried about the possible side effects of the untested ingredients in the pill.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Nicole had her tests done first. The results, however, wouldn't be ready for several days. Since she was already in the hospital, she decided to visit Alec.

As Nicole approached Alec's ward, the security guards recognized her.

“Are you here to see Alec?" he asked politely.

"Yes," Nicole answered. "Is Alec resting?"

"He might be awake. Let me check," one of the guards said, reaching for the door.

Nicole stopped him. "No need. I'll go in myself."

Nicole knocked on the door but received no response. Assuming Alec was asleep, she began to walk away when a disturbing sound from inside the room caught her attention.

With a surge of alarm, Nicole burst through the door and discovered Alec on the floor, frantically reaching for something. Somewhere near Alec, she spotted a knife.

As Alec grasped the knife, he moved with an almost mechanical efficiency, raising it toward his neck.

Trying desperately to disarm Alec, Nicole lunged forward. But even with only one fully functional arm, Alec's strength was impressive, his desperation overshadowing Nicole's feminine power.

Their struggle resulted in a deep cut on Nicole's hands, from which blood flowed profusely like a macabre waterfall.

Furious at his intercepted attempt, Alec's face twisted in anger.