Nicole felt a surge of apprehension, but recognized she had little choice.
She needed to prioritize Austinâs and Kamilahâs safety, even if it meant sacrificing her own pride.
However, she resolved that if Vicki pushed her too far, she would take drastic measures that would surprise even herself.
She hoped it wouldnât come to that.
Back at the hospital, Jarrod finished his video meeting and was compelled by his doctor to return to bed for rest.
Alec, seeing him, dutifully reported, âSir, Miss Lawrence called earlier, but I didnât interrupt your meeting.
â
Jarrodâs face, marked by impassive brows and eyes, masked his inner thoughts, rendering them unreadable.
Amidst the enveloping quiet, Alec broke the silence and declared, âMiss Lawrence requested to see the child, but I denied her.
Your son has just started to smile again.
I donât want him to slide back into gloom.
â
Jarrodâs reaction was muted, almost as if in agreement with Alecâs decision.
Breathing out a long sigh, Alec felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
He was certain Jarrod, severely injured this time, would no Longer concern himself with Nicole or show any further interest.
It wasnât just physical scars.
Jarrodâs heart had taken a beating too.
A detached person like him, once wounded, would invariably shut himself off, exactly as he was doing now.
He was desperate and heartbroken.
For a man, nothing stung more than seeing the woman he loved, love another.
Nicole had fallen for Roscoe, and forcing her to stay with Jarrod would only prolong their misery.
Jarrod had shown restraint.
He didnât trouble her much, focusing his frustrations on Roscoe instead, which was commendable under the circumstances.
Jarrod asked no questions, prompting Alec to hold his tongue.
The pleas Alec had repeatedly made to Nicole on Jarrodâs behalf had fallen on deaf ears, which was truly heartbreaking.
As for the allegations that Vicki posed a threat to Austin, Alec kept vigilant.
He closely monitored any potential danger to Austin.
Although he had yet to see any signs of Vickiâs malice toward Austin, he remained alert, just in case.
Alec harbored deep reservations about Vicki.
Merely being decent momentarily wasnât sufficient.
One needed to demonstrate enduring goodness.
Would Vicki genuinely regard Austin as her own, or would her feelings alter once she had a child of her own?
While Alec mulled over these doubts, Jarrod abruptly asked, âGo ask Dr.
Burton when Iâm scheduled for the surgery.
â
âSurgery?â Alec asked, his brow furrowed in confusion, âSir, which surgery are you referring to?â
With a serene expression, Jarrod simply stated, âVasectomy.
â
Alec was taken aback.
He stood there, dumbfounded, for a long moment before stepping closer, his voice tinged with urgency.
âWhat? Why?â
And how could Jarrod want a vasectomy?
Given Austinâs precarious health, it was uncertain whether he could grow up without complications.
If Jarrod went through with a vasectomy, what would happen if something were to befall Austin?
Would the Schultz family then be left without an heir?