Hallie had shrewdly persuaded Giselle that becoming a legal partner in the business might adversely affect Jarrod, effectively positioning herself as the sole proprietor of the salon.

It was essentially a business that Hallie had obtained without contributing a single penny. Following Giselle's unfortunate demise, Hallie was the sole possessor of knowledge regarding the dubious arrangement.

Subsequently, to cover her tracks, Hallie stumbled upon the IOU she had written for Giselle and simply destroyed it, leaving no evidence of the debt she owed.

Jarrod only discovered the absence of his mother's jewelry after her funeral, leading him to strongly suspect Hallie's involvement in its disappearance.

Fortunately, Jarrod's mother had left that notebook behind as evidence. Without it, Jarrod would have remained perpetually ignorant, continuing to regard Hallie as a benefactor while being blind to her duplicity.

Initially, Jarrod showed little interest in pursuing the matter.

Their kinship was undeniable, and Hallie and Doreen counted among his closest remaining relatives.

Moreover, Doreen was once a sweet and lively child, always Looking up to Jarrod. Jarrod was inclined to let the issue slide, reasoning that he didn't necessarily require the money, and it wasn't worth further conflict.

However, Hallie proved to be relentless trouble. She had even corrupted Doreen, transforming Doreen from a sweet child into someone unruly and defiant.

Now, faced with this latest revelation, Hallie dared to continue her attempts to manipulate Jarrod with fabricated claims of past kindness.

Jarrod could no longer ignore the truth.

Hallie maintained her stance, steadfastly ignoring the accusation.

Instead, she countered, "Jarrod! While I comprehend your reluctance to assist us, fabricating unfounded allegations against me is unacceptable. I have no obligations to your family. I acknowledge your fondness for that woman and your readiness to go to great extents for her. Nonetheless, substituting Doreen in her stead is unjustifiable. You've witnessed Doreen's maturation. Can you truly endure witnessing Doreen's distress?"

Hallie adeptly steered the conversation away from her outstanding debt, shifting the focus back to Jarrod. It was evident that she possessed a talent for manipulation.

"I possess the means to scrutinize the financial intricacies, including the genesis of your beauty salon, funded by my mother. Did you truly think I remained oblivious?"

As Jarrod's words lingered, Hallie found herself unable to maintain her facade of ignorance any longer. A cry escaped her lips as she pleaded, “Your mother envisioned the salon. I merely managed its day-to-day affairs. After her passing, consumed by grief, you were unaware of its impending collapse. Recognizing your incapacity to handle it, I intervened with the sole intention of assisting. How could you misconstrue my actions?"

Hallie's capacity for quick thinking was truly remarkable. Although her fabrications may have persuaded others, with Jarrod, they lacked credibility.

Men's insidious hold had ensnared many, but none more deeply than Hallie. Her present comportment affirmed this undeniable reality.

Amidst her consuming desire, a glimmer of awareness flickered within Hallie. Doreen remained tethered to Jarrod's assistance, Doreen's escape dependent on his goodwill. With a pang of regret visible on her face, Hallie spoke. “If you desire the salon's return, I won't object. I assumed you had no interest, hence my silence. But if it's what you want, feel free to claim it."

If Hallie truly intended to relinquish control of the salon, she wouldn't have resorted to such grandiloquent Language. Essentially, she aimed to convey her substantial investment in the salon while indicating she wouldn't oppose Jarrod's takeover. However, this strategy risked casting Jarrod as unappreciative.