Jarrod relied on Nicole's support, careful not to breathe too hard.

It had been quite some time since they were this close. Nicole's subtle fragrance was calming, almost therapeutic. Jarrod felt no pain at this moment.

Nicole helped Jarrod back onto the bed and adjusted it to a more comfortable height.

As Nicole was about to leave once more, Jarrod quickly said, "Nicole, I'm hungry."

Nicole suspected that his fall might have been intentional, especially now that his hand seemed too injured for him to eat by himself. "Where's your caregiver?" she asked.

"I don't have one. Conor usually helps me," Jarrod said.

Nicole, visibly frustrated, responded, “Why don't you hire a caregiver? You can certainly afford one."

Jarrod answered, "I prefer not to have strangers around."

Nicole said, "Then wait for Conor to return. I'll give him a call."

Nicole called Conor, and his weak voice answered the phone. "Miss Lawrence... What's going on?"

Nicole asked, "Conor, when are you coming back?"

Conor's response was hesitant. "Miss Lawrence, I'm dealing with stomach troubles and my legs feel weak. I might need an IV. Could you possibly feed Mr. Schultz his meal?"

Jarrod secretly admired Conor's quick-witted response. Conor's improvisational skills were indeed impressive.

Left with no other choice, Nicole reluctantly picked up the spoon to feed Jarrod.

Jarrod ate with focus, quickly consuming half the bowl of congee.

Nicole said, "You have a table full of nutritious meals, yet you choose to eat this plain congee."

Nicole bought the congee for Rhett yesterday because he had a high fever and needed something light and non-greasy. However, Jarrod needed more substantial food. This congee was too simple for his needs.

Jarrod said, "I was curious about the congee you bought for someone else."

Nicole was surprised and asked, "Did you investigate me?"

Jarrod replied, "No, Conor told me. You were taking care of Rhett but did not visit me, and even bought Rhett congee."