Doreen understood this too well. She had not anticipated that Jarrod would set aside familial ties so decisively. Had she known that her mother's recent actions had exhausted Jarrod's last reserves of mercy, perhaps she would have reconsidered her reckless plot.

In desperation, Doreen said between sobs, “Jarrod, help me. I can't go to jail again." Now fear gripped her, but it was too late for regrets.

Jarrod paid Doreen no mind. The wound he suffered was severe and demanded immediate medical attention.

The bodyguard had already called an ambulance and helped Jarrod to a chair.

Though Jarrod tried to mask his pain, the sweat on his brow and his pallor betrayed his condition. He seemed on the brink of collapse.

Ignored by Jarrod, Doreen's cries grew more desperate. In a pitiful tone, she claimed, “Jarrod, I was bullied just now..."

As Jarrod continued to ignore her, Doreen's anxiety reached its peak, and she no longer minded the onlookers’ presence. She yelled, "Jarrod, I've been assaulted, I've been violated..."

A heavy silence descended upon the scene.

Finally, Jarrod glanced up at Doreen, his brow furrowed. “What did you just say?"

Jarrod's words were a lifeline for Doreen. She understood that as long as Jarrod remained attentive to her, he wouldn't abandon her.

After all, Jarrod had few remaining family members in the world. She and her mother were kind of his closest relatives. He had witnessed her grow up, forging a bond that couldn't easily be broken.

"I'm not sure. I can't say if it was the Hampton or Watts family. I don't know. They blindfolded me, dragged me into an alley, and assaulted me... It happened so suddenly..." Doreen wept, appearing utterly distraught.

This elucidated the reason behind her disheveled appearance, bearing unmistakable signs of abuse across her body.

Doreen had already been apprehended by security guards, awaiting the arrival of the police to transfer her into her detention.

Doreen's actions constituted a criminal offense, rendering it impossible to release her without consequences.

Jarrod furrowed his brow, uncertain of the truth of Doreen's words.

However, Nicole was convinced of Doreen's claims. Given Doreen's distressed state and her willingness to vocalize such assertions in public, it seemed improbable that Doreen was being deceitful. No woman would tarnish her own reputation by boldly declaring such a matter.

Yet, Nicole recognized this as merely an effort to evade accountability.

"Jarrod, Jarrod, I truly didn't intend any harm. I was bewildered, overwhelmed with anger..."

Jarrod cast his eyes downward. Despite feeling some sympathy for Doreen's plight, he stood his ground. "I'm not the one from whom you should seek leniency."