Jarrod turned to face Nicole and spoke in a composed tone. “Austin has just fallen asleep."

Nicole acknowledged with a nod. Jarrod offered no further words as he began to depart.

"Wait a moment."

"What is it?"

Nicole shut the door behind her, her voice gentle as she followed Jarrod. "About Roscoe, I misjudged you. I owe you an apology and my thanks."

Nicole's forthrightness was a defining trait. She always distinguished right from wrong and never hesitated to speak the truth or apologize.

Jarrod's lips twitched, amusement flickering behind his composed look.

With feigned indifference, he replied, "I didn't help him." He was reluctant to admit he had assisted his love rival.

Nicole moved past this, guiding the conversation back. “I've heard you're looking for Jamie. I am also working on it. Let me know as soon as you locate her."

Nicole had questions only Jamie could answer, though she knew Jamie was sly. If caught, Jamie would likely withhold the truth, influenced by the mysterious figure behind the scene. Nicole wanted to confront Jamie to gain closure on her father's death.

"I understand," Jarrod said. “Hold off on your search. I've set things in motion."

Jarrod was concerned since the search for Jamie posed a threat to Nicole's security. Little information about the mastermind behind Jamie was revealed, be it the identity or the intentions. Given the resources and ruthlessness the mastermind had demonstrated, Jarrod aimed to shield Nicole from any further trouble.

Nicole nodded, though her determination stayed firm. This issue was tied directly to the truth about her father's death. She was resolute in her quest for the truth, regardless of the risks.

Just then, Nicole's phone rang abruptly. It was Ethel.

Nicole picked up, and Ethel's sorrowful voice filled her ears.

"Nicole, Brett is dead."

The news hit Nicole like a lightning strike, her mind spinning from the sudden shock. Brett was supposed to have departed from the country with Callie by now, following their detailed plan. How had everything gone so wrong so quickly?

Nicole felt a wave of unease as she asked, "What about Callie? How is she?"

Ethel's voice grew soft, full of concern. “Callie is safe for now, but she is deeply traumatized. She is at the hospital, but she has not spoken a word since the incident. She remains silent no matter what we ask."

Nicole's thoughts whirled, trying to grasp the gravity of the situation. She had believed it was best to send Brett and Callie away, and had not hidden this plan from Ethel.