If Jarrod were to draft a letter of pardon, attributing the incident to an unintended occurrence, there was a possibility Doreen could receive a suspended sentence rather than imprisonment. In doing so, Doreen would avoid the ordeal of incarceration.

However, Nicole's testimony influenced the severity of the charges against Doreen, resulting in a harsher penalty.

After seeking legal counsel, it became evident that Doreen could face several years of incarceration, potentially five to ten.

Faced with this dire situation, both Doreen and Hallie harbored resentment toward Nicole for their predicament.

Jarrod replied calmly, "Had you and Doreen heeded my warnings, this tragedy could have been avoided. I am unable to assist Doreen now. Hallie, you must explore alternative ways."

Jarrod coldly refused. Hallie persisted relentlessly since Jarrod stood as their sole beacon of hope. Devoid of his aid, Doreen's conviction loomed as an inevitable outcome.

“Jarrod, I recognize my previous harshness and the distress it caused you. I beseech your forgiveness. You understand the irreplaceable value Doreen holds as my sole beloved daughter. Should she be incarcerated, I fear I would be utterly lost. The mere thought of harm befalling her is unbearable..." Hallie sobbed sorrowfully.

Jarrod's silence persisted, prompting her to press on. “Jarrod, despite your anger, recall our familial bond. Your unfortunate loss of parents in your youth weighed heavily upon us all. Your mother entrusted your well-being to me, and though my support was modest, the burden of guilt has never left me. Thanks to your efforts, our circumstances have improved, yet just as we begin to find solace, the specter of imprisonment looms over my only daughter. How can I endure this..."

"Jarrod, don't you dare forget how I've supported you before. You have no idea what my husband had put me through when I lent you that money. He was still complaining about it on his deathbed..."

Hallie droned endlessly, but Jarrod found her words exasperating.

He'd never prioritized family loyalty, and it wasn't as if Hallie had given him the money out of pure kindness.

Jarrod raised an eyebrow at Hallie. “There's something I've kept hidden. Years ago, my mother had lent you two million dollars. After her death, you exploited my grief during your visit, pretending to offer comfort while secretly destroying the debt evidence."

Hallie's eyes widened, shock surging through her. She had never imagined Jarrod knew about her actions. An admission of guilt was inconceivable, prompting her to vehemently deny his accusation.

"Jarrod, are you jesting? Surely, you're mistaken. While I may not be affluent, I would never resort to such deceitful tactics!"

Jarrod's expression darkened at her denial.

Hallie, detecting his silence, grew convinced that Jarrod was merely trying to trick her into confessing. “Who transmitted that absurd rumor to you? Clearly, someone is endeavoring to sow discord between us. I have never borrowed money from your mother and neglected to reimburse it."

Jarrod questioned, "Are you still hesitant to disclose the truth?"

Jarrod felt profound disappointment. Just recently, the housekeeper stumbled upon a meticulously detailed notebook outlining his mother Giselle's personal finances. The notebook unequivocally revealed how Hallie had indeed borrowed two hundred thousand dollars, which was Giselle's own savings.

The loan had been procured around the time Hallie commenced her beauty salon.

Hallie had even manipulated Giselle into investing in the business, with half of Hallie's initial capital being sourced from Giselle.