Nicole considered it crucial to discuss Doreen's state with Jarrod and to recommend a psychiatric evaluation. Was there an issue with her mental health?

Anger distorted Doreen's features as she spat out, "Everything is your fault! You seduced both my uncle and my husband!"

Nicole found herself speechless in the face of such groundless accusations.

This echoed what Hallie had declared earlier. Nicole realized arguing was pointless with someone so irrational. Doreen appeared consumed by distorted thoughts.

Wishing to end the futile interaction, Nicole turned to leave.

But Doreen was quick to follow. Her face contorted with fury, she brandished a bottle and screamed, “Go to hell! I'll destroy you! If you're gone, Roscoe will surely love me forever!"

At that moment, Rhett, who happened to be driving past, caught sight of the altercation and shouted, "Miss Lawrence, be careful!"

He stopped his car abruptly, flung open the door, and dashed toward the scene.

Since Jarrod's bodyguards had recently escorted Hallie away, Nicole was left virtually unprotected.

Nicole was uncertain about the contents of Doreen's bottle but feared the worst. Upon the bottle's opening, a sharp, acrid smell assaulted her senses.

Immediately, Nicole recognized it as sulfuric acid. Doreen intended to mar her face. Doreen must have lost her senses.

Reacting instinctively, Nicole raised her hand to shield her face and tried to fend off Doreen, who was alarmingly close.

Just as Nicole braced herself for the burn of the sulfuric acid, she heard a heavy thud.

Doreen had been forcefully kicked away, tumbling across the ground.

However, the sulfuric acid was already cascading through the air.

Before Nicole could fully comprehend her peril, a figure darted in front of her, wrapping her protectively in his arms. He carefully shielded her belly, considering her pregnancy.

Without needing to see his face, Nicole knew Jarrod was her protector.

Jarrod stifled his pain as the sulfuric acid mainly hit the ground beside him, though some splashed onto his back.

The distinct scent of flesh being eaten away by the sulfuric acid was intense.

While anyone else might have succumbed to the pain, Jarrod merely groaned softly, bearing the agony stoically.