Unruffled, Jarrodâs face was a mask of strategic satisfaction.
âRemember the last chance I offered you last time? Are you ready to give me your answer now? Will you drop the lawsuit, or use up this last chance?â
Jarrod was convinced that Nicole, isolated and unsupported, would finally capitulate.
Without Roscoe, who was there for her? Raising a child on her own seemed an absurd thought to him.
Clutching her fists, Nicole channeled the pain to quell her burning hatred.
âForget about taking Austin from me.
I wonât let him turn soulless and cold like you.
You donât deserve to be a parent.
â
Jarrodâs expression frosted over.
He hadnât anticipated her unwavering stance.
Roughly, he seized Nicoleâs collar.
âEven if I donât deserve it, heâs still my blood!â
âI had no choice! Do you think Iâd willingly give birth to your child if I could choose? Do you think Austin wants you to be his father if granted a chance?â
Nicoleâs words struck a chord deep within Jarrod.
Subconsciously, he felt she despised the child because it was his.
She wanted a child with someone else, like Roscoe? Over his dead body!
Fury surged through Jarrod.
He gritted his teeth.
âHe would! Many women in Ardlens want my child.
You should feel lucky.
Otherwise, did you think Iâd tolerate your audacity?â
Nicole Laughed bitterly, tears welling.
âYouâre too confident, Jarrod.
â
With a sneer, she continued, âJust to bear your child, they have to endure being your secret lover, accept your abuses, serve you like a maid, and endure your slaps⦠Hmph!â
Coldly, she added, âArdlens doesnât have many degraded women like that! I had no choice.
Meeting you is my worst luck, my karma.
If I could, Iâd wish youâd ignore me, so I wouldnât have to know you!â
Jarrodâs figure faltered, retreating a step suddenly.
In an instant, he crushed the glass ruthlessly in his hand, blood oozing from his palm.
Tomorrow seemed unnecessary.
The confrontation was here and now.
Jarrod lifted his blood-soaked hand, accusingly pointing at her.
âSo, this is your decision? To want nothing to do with me?â
âYes, itâs exactly what I wish for,â Nicole stated bluntly.
Jarrod stood frozen, a statue carved of ice.
âFine, fine, fine.
â
After a long pause, Jarrod finally spoke.
âIâll grant your request, Nicole.
Come to court tomorrow, and our dealings will be devoid of mercy.
I wonât go easy on you again.
â
Saying those words pained Jarrod deeply.
It was evident to anyone that Nicole wanted nothing to do with him, yet he couldnât grasp it.
Repeatedly, he warned Nicole against defying him.
But Nicole merely smiled and replied, âThank you.
â Love might fade, but not hatred.
In Jarrodâs presence, the animosity would reignite.
The agony he had inflicted on her was unforgettable.
After a momentâs pause, Jarrod left, leaving behind a chilling pool of blood.
Nicole gazed at it numbly.
The harm Jarrod had inflicted on her and her family was more than this pool of blood, having drained their familyâs vitality.
Jarrod stepped into the blinding sunlight, wishing he could snatch the sun from the sky to quench his bitterness.