Conor showcased his acting skills. He made it quite convincing. He even bit his tongue hard enough that his face turned pale and he began to sweat excessively.

Nicole was taken aback for a moment and concernedly asked, "How are you feeling? Should I call a doctor for you?"

Conor waved her off and said, "No need. I'll just head to the bathroom. This..."

He lifted the package of the congee, and before Nicole could object, he shoved it into her hand.

“Miss Lawrence, please deliver this to Mr. Schultz. The doctor mentioned he shouldn't eat anything cold at the moment or it might lead to another infection." With those words, Conor quickly ran away.

Holding the congee, Nicole pondered for a while and then decided to bring it to Jarrod's VIP floor.

Nicole intended to hand the congee to a bodyguard instead of getting into Jarrod's ward, but she was surprised to find the entrance to Jarrod's ward unguarded.

Unknown to her, Conor had sent the bodyguards away to create this very opportunity for Jarrod.

Finding herself with no other option, Nicole knocked on the door, ready to hand over the congee.

A deep voice from inside commanded, "Come in."

Nicole opened the door and entered. Jarrod was engrossed in the report he was holding, unaware of Nicole's presence. Assuming it was Conor, he said without looking up, “Just leave it there."

Nicole observed a table loaded with untouched food and then glanced at the congee in her hand. It seemed Jarrod had a sudden craving for congee. The congee shop seemed familiar to her, reminiscent of one she often visited.

Without overthinking, Nicole placed the congee down and, noticing Jarrod still had not recognized her, she started to leave.

Just then, Jarrod glanced up and uncertainly called out, "Nicole?"

Nicole paused and turned back to him, explaining, "Conor wasn't feeling well, so he asked me to bring this over."

Jarrod paused and then said, "I thought you were here to see me."

His voice carried a hint of complaint.

Nicole was at a loss for words. Since she was already here, she felt forced to say something. “Why aren't you eating? If you don't eat, your recovery will be even slower. Austin is really concerned about you and keeps asking when you will come home."

Nicole was being honest. Austin seemed to hold Jarrod in high regard.

During her visits, she had heard Austin ask about Jarrod twice.