Rhett's tone turned frigid as he stated, "My schedule is quite tight presently. Arrange to meet me at the harbor two evenings hence."

"No, that won't do!" The woman was wary. "I believe a meeting is unnecessary. Simply leave the money somewhere, and I will retrieve them."

Rhett chuckled. “Very well. I shall leave them at the harbor and inform you of the designated time subsequently."

"Could it not be immediate?" The woman appeared eager to depart.

"Do not attempt to negotiate with me." Rhett's warning echoed sternly.

"Very well." The woman conceded.

Upon concluding the conversation, Rhett swiftly erased the call log.

He positioned himself by the window, observing the cityscape momentarily before retiring to his bed.

Elsewhere, departing from Rhett's hospital quarters, Nicole hesitated at the elevator before opting to pay a visit to Jarrod's room.

Within, Jarrod reclined upon a bespoke bed, his demeanor grave. Lines etched his forehead, suggesting a troubled slumber.

Rarely had Jarrod appeared so debilitated. As Nicole hovered at the threshold, poised to enter, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a call from Austin.

“Mom, when shall you arrive?" Austin's query was innocent.

Nicole saw it was almost 8 p.m.. Stipulated by agreement, she could solely visit Austin, constrained from removing him beyond the villa, thus necessitating her immediate presence.

Nicole's recent visits to Jarrod's estate had become frequent, capitalizing on his absence to evade discomforting encounters.

Facing the phone, Nicole said, "I'm coming right now."

Jarrod, unaware, remained oblivious to Nicole's visitation.

Upon Nicole's arrival, Austin, already cleansed, anticipated a storytime session.

Upon unfurling the storybook, Austin abruptly inquired, “Mommy, shall it be a sibling, a brother or sister?"

Nicole momentarily froze. Austin had never broached this subject previously. She intended to defer until later in her pregnancy, but evidently, he was already aware.

Setting aside the storybook, Nicole inquired, “Austin, who informed you of my pregnancy?"