Jarrod had been struggling to remain conscious, driven by a fierce desire to protect Nicole despite feeling increasingly unwell. However, the arrival of the police and paramedics had allowed him a moment of respite, which was shattered by Doreen's painful touch. Overwhelmed by the agony, he succumbed to unconsciousness.

Reacting swiftly, a paramedic pulled Doreen back harshly, reprimanding her as they secured Jarrod on the stretcher. "You're grabbing right at his wounds! Look at him. He's passed out. Are you trying to kill him?"

Doreen, catching sight of her hands smeared with Jarrod's blood, was struck by a wave of fear and fainted. Her reaction was not an attempt to shirk responsibility but an instinctive response to the horrific scene.

Both Doreen and Jarrod were quickly transported to the hospital for urgent care.

Nicole, closely involved in the incident, rode to the hospital in a police car to provide her statement to the authorities.

Exhausted by the ordeal, Nicole awaited Conor, Jarrod's assistant, who arrived shortly after. Despite the tumultuous events, Nicole maintained a calm demeanor.

The doctor reassured Nicole that Jarrod was stable and not in immediate danger, prompting Nicole to tell Conor, "I should head back now."

Conor was taken aback, surprised that under such dire circumstances, Nicole chose not to stay by Jarrod's side. He knew that when Jarrod regained consciousness, Nicole would likely be the first person he'd hope to see.

With a thoughtful glance, Conor queried, "Miss Lawrence, are you feeling alright? Do you need a doctor to examine you?"

Nicole responded with a weary shake of her head, “No need. I just need some rest."

Conor, however, pressed further, his concern evident. "Miss Lawrence, remember, you're pregnant and it's crucial to take extra precautions. The hospital has a VIP lounge that's quite comfortable. I'll arrange for you to rest there. Please keep an eye on Mr. Schultz for me. I will be right back after making the arrangement."

Before Nicole could object, Conor was already on his way to organize the accommodations.

With Conor absent, Nicole felt an obligation to remain. If any complications arose, she realized that the doctors would need a point of contact. Thus, she settled onto the sofa in the lounge, awaiting news.

Meanwhile, Jarrod, who had just undergone a minor procedure under light anesthesia, was beginning to come around.

As the fog of sedation lifted, Jarrod's eyes fluttered open and, abruptly recalling the events, he exclaimed, "Nicole!"

Jarrod's voice was laced with panic, a tone Nicole had never heard from him before.

Jarrod attempted to sit up his eyes darting around the room as he called out again. "Nicole.."

Nicole, mindful of his fresh bandages and the strain any movement would put on him, coughed softly to signal her presence and took a few steps closer. “I'm right here," she reassured him gently.

Jarrod's gaze lifted to meet hers, his voice tinged with concern.

“Are you okay?"