Upon returning home, Nicole surrendered herself to sleep, seeking solace in its embrace. In truth, the terror she felt as the sulfuric acid threatened to disfigure her was palpable.

For a woman who valued her appearance, the prospect of facial scars was a chilling reality.

While scars on her body could be concealed, facial disfigurement was a permanent mark impossible to hide. No amount of money could fully mend the damage wrought by sulfuric acid burns. Its impact would forever Linger.

The sheer ruthlessness of Doreen's actions, contemplating such a vicious act as sulfuric acid throwing, left Nicole incredulous. How could one woman harbor such malice toward another?

Recalling the moment when Jarrod fearlessly shielded her, a flicker of gratitude stirred within Nicole. Yet, as quickly as it came, it was overshadowed by the realization that Doreen's brazenness stemmed from Jarrod's indulgence.

With that realization, Nicole's gratitude waned. Jarrod's habitual leniency toward those he cared for had now come back to haunt him, the repercussions of his actions echoing in his hospital room.

After a restful sleep, Nicole found herself feeling considerably better.

Yet, as for Jarrod's hospital stay, Nicole found little time to pay a visit. Her days were consumed by the demands of the Lawrence Group, the company she had inherited and endeavored to revive. However, the task proved more arduous than she had anticipated.

The landscape of the energy sector had shifted over the years, leaving the Lawrence Group struggling to reclaim its former prominence.

Moreover, attracting skilled individuals to join the Lawrence Group cause proved challenging, leaving Nicole to juggle numerous responsibilities single-handedly.

From managing reports to orchestrating meetings and promoting products, Nicole found herself wearing many hats. The weight of these responsibilities, combined with the fatigue of early pregnancy, left her perpetually drained and longing for respite.

In the evenings, Nicole made time to visit both Austin and her mother at the sanatorium, diverting her attention away from Jarrod's hospitalization.

Driven by a desire to provide her children with autonomy and independence, Nicole threw herself into her work, determined to secure their financial freedom. While she acknowledged Jarrod's genuine concern for their child, she couldn't ignore his controlling tendencies, fearing their potential impact on their children.

It was imperative to Nicole that her children knew they could always seek refuge with her, free from any form of coercion or manipulation.

During a business dinner, Nicole was accompanied by a young business development manager named Davina. Despite her youth, Davina possessed an impressive repertoire of skills, including a high tolerance for alcohol and an adept ability to navigate through clients and suppliers with ease and grace.

Nicole admired Davina's resilience and had made it clear from the outset that they didn't endorse the practice of coercing individuals to drink for business purposes. Should a client overstep their boundaries, Davina had the authority to firmly decline their advances.

Fortunately, Davina's adeptness in handling such situations surpassed even Nicole's expectations, alleviating any concerns about the evening's proceedings.

Nicole marveled at Davina's ability to handle challenging clients, effectively asserting control while ensuring their satisfaction took a backseat without causing offense. However, Nicole couldn't shake off her concerns about the potential repercussions of Davina's assertiveness, particularly with unsavory clients.

Aware of the risks, Nicole advised Davina to exercise discretion and discernment when accepting deals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and not compromising their principles for every opportunity that arose.

Grateful for Nicole's guidance, Davina redoubled her efforts, eager to prove her worth and dedication to her employer.