Yet, the subsequent complications arising from her involvement with Jarrod had inflicted considerable anguish upon her. Austin had become her Achilles’ heel, a vulnerability that Jarrod was aware of. Thus, she would never acknowledge her pregnancy.

Jarrod retrieved a medical record from the desk and approached her, asserting, "Nicole, I don't make baseless assumptions."

The document meticulously outlined Nicole's check-up and the prescribed medications.

With unwavering resolve, Jarrod declared, "I won't allow you to terminate this pregnancy."

The moment Jarrod obtained the medical records, he promptly reached out to Nicole, having anticipated her resistance and mentally prepared himself. He was prepared to make any compromise necessary to ensure the preservation of this child. This was his child, the child of the woman he desired.

Upon learning of Nicole's pregnancy, all his jealousy and resentment became inconsequential. His sole desire was for Nicole to carry the baby to term. If it were a boy, he would train him to assist Austin in managing the family business, envisioning the brothers as formidable forces in the Ardlens market. If it were a girl, she would be adored by the Schultz family, cherished by both Austin and himself, leading a life filled with happiness and devoid of worries.

As Nicole's eyes regained focus, she offered a bitter, sardonic smile.

Then, there was a crisp sound as Nicole's hand connected with Jarrod's face.

Five distinct finger marks were imprinted on Jarrod's handsome right cheek, evidencing the strength behind Nicole's blow.

Nicole's scream dripped with venomous hatred. "How dare you dictate that I should keep this baby! What right do you have? This child has nothing to do with you!"

Undeterred, Jarrod advanced, grasping Nicole's shoulders firmly as he curved his lips into a faint smile. "I know this child is mine, Nicole. You can't terminate the pregnancy.”

"I can't?" Nicole erupted into loud, bitter laughter. "Jarrod, who are you to dictate what I can and cannot do? Let me tell you, I will terminate this pregnancy without hesitation. Do you truly believe you can keep an eye on me incessantly? Are you going to assign someone to monitor me 24 hours a day, never resting? When I step into the bathroom, there will surely be no one watching. I possess countless means to end this pregnancy. Do you honestly think you can control me?"

Nicole fixed Jarrod with a chilling glare. “Stop deluding yourself, Jarrod. Do you truly believe you deserve to be the father of my child?"

Jarrod's countenance, now adorned with the crimson imprint of her slap, remained composed. He uttered calmly, "Nicole, I understand you wish to leave me, but until this child is born, I cannot consent to a divorce. If you desire to maintain a relationship with Austin post -divorce, you will need to carry this pregnancy to term."

While outwardly serene, internally, Jarrod wrestled with a tempest of emotions. He had braced himself to let go. Nicole's affection for him had long waned despite his efforts to reconcile. As Mitchel had pointed out, coercing her to stay by his side would only result in mutual destruction. For the sake of their child, he mustn't act rashly.

If Nicole had to assign blame, it should fall upon this unborn child for arriving at such an inopportune moment. Nonetheless, Jarrod would never permit her to terminate the pregnancy. He understood that this might be their final Link.

Nicole found herself at a loss for words, murmuring, "You're delusional!" She remained resolute in her decision not to carry the child to term.

Without engaging in an argument, Jarrod instructed his assistant to retrieve the agreement. "Do not act impulsively. Review it before making a decision."

Nicole scrutinized the terms meticulously. According to the agreement, following childbirth, they could dissolve their marriage, with both parties retaining visitation rights. Their children would reside with either parent but maintain the autonomy to choose their primary residence, while the other parent would be granted visitation privileges.

On the surface, the conditions appeared equitable. Jarrod wasn't coercing Nicole into relinquishing their children but rather proposing shared custody.