Austin usually kept to himself and rarely showed interest in others.

Jarrod replied, "My wound is painful. I lost my appetite." He sounded really mad.

Nicole was not convinced and said, “Doreen is your family. You took the hit, saving her from a worse punishment."

Nicole spoke the truth. Without Jarrod's support, Doreen would never have dared to act so recklessly. Jarrod deserved the punishment.

Jarrod said, "Yes, I spoiled them too much. I won't interfere in their affairs anymore."

Nicole was not there to hear his justifications. They really didn't have much to discuss. She said, "You should eat the congee and get some rest. I'm leaving now."

Right as she was about to leave, Jarrod began to cough violently, the harsh sounds worsening his back injury and leaving him Looking particularly tortured.

Unable to just walk away, Nicole poured him a glass of water and offered. "Drink this."

Jarrod looked at the glass, realizing Nicole did have a soft side around him.

Noticing his flushed face from the coughing, Nicole figured he was still struggling for air and said, "Have some water first."

Jarrod accepted the glass and drank the water. The water indeed helped him feel better.

After he put the cup down, Nicole said, "Go ahead and eat. I'm heading out now."

Jarrod maintained a poker face and remained silent, and Nicole turned and headed for the door without waiting for his response.

Just as she was about to leave, a loud "thud" sounded from behind her. Jarrod had tumbled off the bed.

Nicole turned around to see his tall figure lying on the floor, his complexion pale and looking very weak. She rushed to his side, asking, "Can you stand?"

Nicole was puzzled by how suddenly weak Jarrod had become. He seemed fine just moments before. How had he managed to fall from the bed?

Jarrod clenched his lips for a moment and said, "It hurts."

Nicole began to wonder if Jarrod might be exaggerating his condition, but his pale face seemed genuinely unwell. His skin was pale, and cold sweat clung to his forehead. His back wound felt wet, possibly reopened.

Since the wounds from the acid attack were filled with pus rather than blood, Nicole was not sure if the wound had actually reopened.

Remembering his selfless act of protection that day, Nicole found herself feeling sympathetic. She spoke more gently. “Don't push yourself. Let me assist you. Be careful."