"You want me to let you go?" Jarrod's face was unreadable, emotionless. "Then what? You'd run off with Roscoe and take my son with you?"

"I won't remarry," Nicole assured. She understood that Jarrod was the type of person who clung to things, unwilling to release them, even if he no longer wanted them himself.

Jarrod laughed coldly. "Nicole, how can I trust you now?"

Trust was no longer part of their equation. Jarrod knew Nicole had been compliant recently only to delve into her father's case, Roscoe's affairs, and for the sake of Austin. None of her actions were for him.

Jarrod had tried to deceive himself, but Nicole's desperate attempt to save Roscoe had shattered his delusion. If he continued to fool himself, he would risk losing everything.

Jarrod fixed his gaze on Nicole, his eyes dark and profound, reflecting a deep-seated melancholy. "Nicole, don't ever bring that man up again, Avoid any contact with him, or I can't predict what I'll do."

His threat carried a chilling promise.

Nicole trembled, feeling the palpable threat emanating from him. As she opened her mouth to respond, Jarrod sharply commanded, “Come in.”

Two bodyguards appeared at the door, causing Nicole's anxiety to spike, uncertain of Jarrod's next move. Ever since the incident in the valley, Jarrod had been unsettlingly calm. Now, with Alec on the mend, it seemed Jarrod was ready to settle old scores with her.

Jarrod's voice was as cold as ice when he commanded, "Take my wife home. Ensure she rests well."

Jarrod paused, his voice sharp as a blade. “And under no circumstances is she to leave the house."

Nicole felt a chill as if she had been dropped into an icy abyss.

Was he planning to imprison her? She stared at him, biting her lip to suppress her trembling. "Jarrod, what are you doing? You can't imprison me. You have no right!"

“You misunderstand," Jarrod said, his gaze cold and calculating as he looked down at her. "I'm concerned about your health. You need to rest."

Turning away, Jarrod shot a stern look at the bodyguards. “What are you waiting for?"

The bodyguards took hold of Nicole's arms. Nicole struggled fiercely.

"Jarrod, you can't do this to me! Even if I am your wife, you have no right to confine me. I am not your prisoner!"

Jarrod remained stoic, his back to the door, gazing out the window.

He only moved once the door had closed behind them.

From the window, Jarrod watched as Nicole was escorted to the car.