Roscoe had joked with Nicole, declaring he would be her little puppy for life.
With tears welling up, Nicole understood that love was never a balanced transaction.
One often gave more than the other, yet if that giving brought joy and was perceived as happiness, it signified a valuable contribution.
Thus, Nicole simply needed to respond to her little puppy.
Nicole raised her hand, affectionately ruffled Roscoeâs hair, and affirmed, âI wonât leave you behind.
Things will get better for us.
â
At the Watts family mansion.
Jarrod sat on the sofa, his leg casually resting on the coffee table.
âMr.
Watts, remember what you promised me?â he asked, clearly displeased.
Back then, understanding the tight spot the Watts family was in, Jarrod had shown them mercy and left Roscoeâs father, Miguel, an exit route.
Miguel had been so grateful that he repeatedly expressed his thanks, vowing to ensure Roscoe would part ways with Nicole by any means necessary.
Truth be told, Jarrodâs motives werenât dignified.
He wasnât interested in preserving another familyâs legacy.
Heâd rather see Nicole and Roscoe part on bitter terms than let Roscoe become a lingering memory in Nicoleâs mind if Roscoe passed away.
He aimed to witness the lovers turn against each other with hate.
That way, he could keep Nicole by his side.
Jarrod wouldnât let Roscoe leave a lasting impression on Nicoleâs heart.
Miguel was annoyed by Jarrodâs arrogance but had no choice but to tolerate it, lowering his head to reply, âMr.
Schultz, Iâve kept an eye on Roscoe, but I couldnât prevent Miss Lawrence from reaching out to him.
After all, I didnât raise Roscoe.
Thereâs a natural distance between him and me, and I canât afford to upset him too much, right?â
Miguelâs response was a clear attempt to avoid accountability.
He was evidently trying to disassociate himself, looking to cut ties.
Regardless of Roscoeâs preferences for women, as long as the woman Roscoe chose could secure the Watts family legacy, Miguel was unconcerned about her background.
Miguel planned to distract Roscoe with young, attractive secretaries.
He wasnât concerned about Roscoeâs loyalty.
To Miguel, Roscoe was just a means to carry on the family legacy.
But now, with Roscoe as his sole heir, he couldnât just watch the vast family fortune potentially fall into the hands of other relatives.
Therefore, he had to handle matters involving Roscoe with extra care.
Jarrod responded with a cold scoff, âMr.
Watts, are you trying to play games me? You werenât saying this when you knelt before me.
I shouldnât have shown mercy back then.
â
Miguel, an expert at navigating political games even when he was âup to his neck,â didnât show any shame even when his tactics were exposed.
He stroked his beard and replied with a cunning smile, âMr.
Schultz, weâre still very grateful for your tip about Roscoeâs whereabouts.
Rest assured, weâre not ungrateful.
If you need anything from the Watts family, just say the word, and weâll be at your service without hesitation.
â
His polished words, however, essentially meant a complete betrayal.
He clearly had no further interest in meddling with Roscoeâs personal life.
âBang!â With a forceful slap, Jarrod sent the glass flying, striking a decorative vase behind Miguel.