His once unkempt stubble was now neatly shaven, Lending him a slimmer appearance and a more chiseled look.
Adorned with gold-rimmed glasses and perusing financial reports, Jarrod exuded an air of sophistication.
Upon noticing Nicole, he offered a smooth smile.
âYouâve arrived?â
Nicole had no time for pleasantries.
âJarrod, where is he?â
âHave you eaten?â Jarrod posed a question that seemed off-topic.
Nicoleâs mouth fell open, astounded by his indifference.
Her eyes filled with desperation.
âJarrod, answer me.
Whereâs Roscoe?â
âs BunnyBookery Jarrod glanced at Alec, inquiring, âHas she eaten?â
Alec shook his head, recounting how Nicole had downed a significant amount of liquor and retched it all back up.
Jarrod set aside his financial reports, commanding, âGet her some porridge.
â
Alec departed to carry out the instruction.
Nicole, unable to mirror Jarrodâs calm demeanor, pressed him, âJarrod, what do you mean by all this?â Jarrod had promised she could see Roscoe, yet here she was, left waiting.
And why was he arranging for porridge to be made? What was happening?
With Jarrod remaining mute, Nicoleâs patience snapped.
âThe schemes that landed you in jail were all my work.
If youâre seeking vengeance, direct it at me.
Leave those who are blameless out of it.
You must be aware that there is nothing between Roscoe and me.
â
Nicole was desperate to make clear the nature of her relationship with Roscoe.
She was aware that her current predicament could spell trouble for anyone connected to her.
She was acutely aware of Jarrodâs tendency for spite and vindictiveness.
As Jarrod sat there, silent, Nicoleâs unease mounted.
She hastened to add, âValentineâs Day was a mix-up.
It wasnât a dateâ¦â
Her voice broke into a fit of coughing.
When Nicole finally caught her breath, Jarrod chose that moment to speak, his tone relaxed.
âYouâre quite the chatterbox, arenât you? Starting to feel scared?â
Jarrod spoke slowly, his presence always feeling a bit intimidating.
Nicole confronted Jarrod firmly, pressing her lips together.
âJarrod, I was behind the evidence presented by Roscoe.
Now that youâre back, if you have any complaints, they should come to me.
â
Just then, a waiter knocked and entered with a bowl of porridge and some sweet side dishes.
Jarrodâs face showed no emotion as he said, âSit down and eat.
â
Nicole thought Jarrod had lost his mind during his time away.
Did he really expect her to sit down and eat? And with Roscoe missing, how could she even think of eating?
The worry was clear in Nicoleâs eyes as she replied icily, âJarrod, I need to see Roscoe.
â
Previously, Nicole would have never brought up Roscoe in front of Jarrod, fearing Jarrodâs volatile reactions.
This time, however, Jarrod was surprisingly calm, maintaining his composure as he softly suggested, âEat first and then weâll talk.
Donât you realize you have a sensitive stomach?â
This did nothing but heighten Nicoleâs anxiety.
She clenched her teeth, her frustration growing.
âI wonât eat.
Iâm not hungry.
You promised I could see Roscoe if I came here.
â