Nicole rose from her seat, ready to make her exit.

As Nicole approached the door, Jarrod trailed behind her. "Nicole," he called out.

She stopped, feeling his presence behind her. Jarrod's voice lowered to a whisper. “Think it over carefully. Austin misses you terribly.”

His words carried a double-edged message, blending a subtle plea with an implicit warning.

Despite knowing how much Austin longed for her, Nicole felt powerless to change the situation. "I will," she replied, her voice tinged with resignation and sorrow.

As Nicole disappeared into the elevator, Jarrod's gaze lingered on the descending lift, his heart sinking with each passing moment.

Conor approached Jarrod, intending to ask a question, but Jarrod stayed silent for what felt like an eternity.

A heavy silence settled between them until Conor, bracing himself, finally spoke. "Mr. Schultz..."

After what felt like an eternity, Jarrod finally broke his silence.

"Find someone trustworthy to protect her."

Feeling the distance in Jarrod's demeanor, Conor couldn't shake off the sense of helplessness. It was clear that his words had fallen on deaf ears.

Conor nodded respectfully and replied, “Understood.”

"You can leave now," Jarrod commanded, his brow furrowing with intensity.

“Right away, sir." Conor nodded.

As Jarrod watched Conor leave, he added, “And remind them to be discreet. We can't afford any slip-ups. She must remain unaware."

Jarrod was wary of inadvertently causing Nicole to resent him with his protective measures.

Nicole was a force to be reckoned with. When she declared she was done loving, she meant every word. While she effortlessly moved forward, Jarrod found himself anchored to the past.

Jarrod found himself utterly captivated by Nicole's presence. Every time she crossed his path or her name floated into conversation, it sparked a rush of awareness in him, like electricity coursing through his veins. He realized he had fallen completely under her spell.

However, the harsh truth that had struck Jarrod in Witch Valley shattered his heart. Nicole's love for him had vanished without a trace. No matter what trials he endured, her affection would forever elude him.

Nicole's gaze bore a truth that shattered Jarrod's world. The love she once professed now lay in ruins.