Although Jarrod had shielded Nicole from harm, Doreen's true target was Nicole herself. It was an act he couldn't forgive on Nicole's behalf. Moreover, he had finally reached an agreement with Nicole, fostering a brief period of peaceful coexistence. He couldn't allow this incident to disrupt their balance. Had it not been for his recent intervention, Nicole's unborn child would have been...

With this thought, Jarrod's countenance hardened. He had extended more than just kindness to Doreen and her mother, driven in part by family bond. Yet, should they pose a threat to his child, he would not hesitate to act without leniency.

Doreen's sense of injustice persisted, her tears flowing as she pleaded, “Jarrod, how could you do this? Can't you simply speak a word and resolve it? If you disapprove, would she dare to harm me."

Jarrod's expression turned resolute. "I cannot dictate for Nicole. Should you seek reconciliation, do so sincerely. However, her subsequent actions are beyond my intervention."

Jarrod had made himself clear. He refused to aid Doreen.

In her despair, Doreen felt as though her world had plunged into darkness. "It's all because of you!!" she screamed, her eyes brimming with hatred as she pointed accusingly at Nicole. "You're the reason the Watts family and the Hampton family are after me. My life is ruined because of you!"

Doreen harbored a desire to dismantle Nicole, yet Nicole found the situation amusing. "Miss Schultz, by what authority do you accuse me? I've never provoked you. Each instance of trouble originates from your actions."

Doreen had been indulged since childhood, but did that justify her trampling on others? Did it warrant them enduring bullying and stifling their grievances?

Doreen wept hysterically. "Had you not enticed Roscoe, would I have treated you this way? Why would I target you out and not others?"

This inquiry grew even more absurd. Nicole discerned Doreen's skills in manipulating the situation, attempting to prompt her to introspect on her culpability.

Had Nicole been susceptible to manipulation, she wouldn't have endured to this day.

"Interesting." Nicole chuckled. "If a dog bites me, should I ponder why it suddenly turned aggressive?"

Nicole continued, "Nah, I don't converse in animal tongue, and I certainly won't sympathize with a beast."

“What absurdity are you uttering!" Doreen was incredulous that Nicole likened her to a dog. She had never faced such an insult throughout her entire existence! "You dare insult me, you venomous woman! Jarrod, witness her audacity to curse me right before your eyes. Consider what she might scheme behind your back. Perhaps she even played a part in today's misfortune!"

Nicole remained unfazed by such outrageous accusations. Having committed no wrongdoing, why should she succumb to panic? Moreover, she knew very well that she, Doreen, Vicki, and Jamie were fundamentally disparate. While she upheld a moral compass, they were self-serving beings governed by their emotions.

"You're overanalyzing. I would never descend to your level. If you possess evidence, present it. I'll await your expose right here."

Nicole relished witnessing Doreen's shifting countenance.

Nicole chuckled. Doreen deserved it. As a victim, why should she reflect on herself? If not for Jarrod's timely intervention, that bottle of the sulfuric acid could have marred her. Even if it hadn't, the acid's splatter would have inflicted grave harm. She remained pregnant. If harmed, the unborn child could have been lost.

Doreen's actions bordered on attempted murder, thus, regardless of Doreen's previous suffering, Nicole harbored no sympathy. Because of being mistreated by others, Doreen sought retribution against her. If retaliation were justified, she would be the rightful executor.

“Jarrod, is this the woman you cherish? Would you forsake me for her?"