Hatred could take many forms, but it wouldnât manifest in this way.
Having experienced lifeâs ups and downs, Wayne knew Jarrod must care deeply for Nicole.
When a man became overly fixated on a woman, it could introduce tons of potential dangers.
Wayne was okay with Jarrodâs flings with other women, but not with emotional entanglements.
Otherwise, Vicki wouldnât lead a cheerful life, should she marry Jarrod.
Having seen through this, Wayne strongly disapproved of Vickiâs relationship with Jarrod, but he was helpless against Vickiâs self- destructive threats.
She was seriously harming herself, cutting her wrists deeply.
The fear was so great that he finally agreed to assist Jarrod.
Despite everything, Wayne appreciated Jarrodâs capabilities, knowing his potential.
Even given the smallest opportunity, Jarrod could emerge triumphant from the most challenging situations.
And Nicole remained missing, as though she had fled.
Reassured by this, Wayne gradually began to warm up to Jarrod.
At todayâs birthday celebration, under Wayneâs arrangement, he was flanked by Lowe, his son, and Jarrod, his soon-to-be son-in-law, signifying that Jarrod would soon join the Hampton family and become a pillar among the family, thriving together.
However, Lowe was quite displeased with this.
He surmised had it not been for Nicole, the woman trapped by Jarrodâs side before, he wouldnât have faced this downfall.
For the deal he had struck with Nicole, with the threats of exposing his compromising photos, he had stolen documents from his father, resulting in his demotion and a forced period of reflection at home.
Seeing Jarrod highly regarded at the family banquet raised questions and added to Loweâs unease.
Was Wayne thinking of passing on the Hampton legacy to Jarrod?
Lowe silently pledged to keep a watchful eye on Jarrod, his expression darkening.
He was bitter, and he intended to spread that bitterness.
Lowe said to Jarrod, âMr.
Schultz, have you located the woman involved in your scandal?â
As Lowe spoke, a sudden coldness descended upon the table.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Luckily, Wayne had stepped out momentarily, avoiding the uncomfortable moment.
However, being asked this question by Lowe while his fiancée was beside him was humiliating for Jarrod.
Vicki glared at Lowe with intense displeasure, her look silently warning him to shut up.
Although they were half-siblings, their relationship was strained and affection was scarce.
Despite Vicki being a woman, Lowe remained cautious around her.
Emboldened by alcohol, he slurred his words.
âSis, donât get mad, Iâm just curious.
Your fiancé seemed the type who has been sowing his wild oats.
Didnât he make out with that woman against the tinted glass? I wonder if heâd be up for a threesome or somethingâ¦â
âLowe, shut your mouth!â Vicki could no longer contain her frustration and lashed out at him.
But Lowe refused to stop, his long-held grievances pushing him to continue.
Normally, his father overlooked his escapades.
While he was told not to set his eyes on the company employees, the allure of his cousin-in-law, a married woman, was too tempting to resist.
Driven by desire, Lowe had engaged in several secret encounters with her.
She was adept, ensuring his comfort, but their liaisons were cut short when Nicole exposed their compromising photos online, resulting in her suddenly being transferred away by his father.
âDamn it!â Lowe cursed under his breath.
The incident caused a huge uproar, with his cousin splitting a substantial amount of money due to it.
Lowe felt he could have maintained their discreet meetings and had more fun if it hadnât been for Nicoleâs meddling.
Ultimately, Jarrod was also to blame for his own involvement with Nicole.