When Jarrod noticed that she was no longer detached and subdued, his lips formed a subtle smile.
âIâm not insane.
And does it surprise you that I think this way?â
Lifting his chin with a trace of self-derision, Jarrod asked, âDonât you always see me in this regard?â
Nicoleâs hands were balled into fists, and she yelled, âYes, to me, youâre a monster! Butâ¦â
She paused briefly and then added, âTo Austin, you are his father.
â
Jarrodâs heart jolted at her words.
He was aware that he might not excel as a father, but with Austin in his life, he felt compelled to embrace the responsibilities of being a father.
Even if he struggled, he was earnest in his attempts.
Nicole continued, âGiven all this, would you really hand Austin over to that malicious woman?â
Of course, Jarrod wouldnât.
However, he kept his thoughts to himself.
His expression darkened.
âThatâs none of your concern.
â
Nicole chuckled.
âIndeed.
Itâs really none of my business.
Mr.
Schultz, youâre trying to look out for your cousin, your fiancée, and your future brother-in-law, arenât you? Thatâs on you.
But whether or not you can actually keep them safe⦠Well, weâll just have to see, wonât we?â
Jarrod raised an eyebrow.
âWhat exactly are you implying?â
âI have the backup of the storage card.
Did that thought ever cross your mind?â Nicoleâs smile was enigmatic, adding a layer of intrigue.
Jarrod was caught off guard.
He hadnât considered Nicole capable of having a backup simultaneously.
With the advanced technology, it was certainly feasible.
For a brief moment, he was unsure whether she was bluffing.
He watched her face intently, searching for any tell.
Nicole maintained her composure, her voice steady.
âYou seem unconcerned with Austinâs safety.
As his mother, it falls to me to take action.
Tomorrow, Iâll expose the real faces of everyone in your precious circle to the public.
â
Her tone was resolute, convincing Jarrod that she might indeed possess a backup.
His expression turned grave.
He pressed, âAnd then?â
Nicole hesitated.
She was at a loss, not quite grasping his point.
Jarrod explained, âOnce this is out in the open, Doreen wonât have to shoulder the blame.
My sister will cover for her.
At worst, Doreen might need to spend some time abroad to let things settle, but her prospects wonât be tarnished at all.
As for Vicki and Lowe, backed by the Hamptons, I doubt you could cause them any real trouble.
And suppose you do manage to get this scandal trending through money or connections, what then?â
Jarrod set his wine glass down, his face a mask of detached calm.
âTheir situations are similar to Doreenâs.
None of this will touch them.
â
His tone grew icy.
âNicole, donât be so naive.
I might choose not to marry Vicki, but that doesnât stop me from marrying someone else.
Should I then screen whether theyâre suitable for Austin?â
Nicole had never considered Jarrodâs perspective.
Yet, it did have a point.
The video in her possession might stop Vicki from becoming Jarrodâs wife.
But what about other women who would become Jarrodâs fiancée? How could she judge if they were fit or unfit?
As long as Jarrod held onto Austinâs custody, these looming threats would remain inevitable.
For a moment, Nicole was bewildered, staring into Jarrodâs profound eyes, puzzled by his thoughts.
She inquired pointedly, âWhat do you want from me to secure Austinâs custody?â
Nicole would only be at ease when Austin was in her care.
She had amassed just enough wealth for Austin that, while not lavish, was significantly better than the average, providing a stable foundation.
With Nicoleâs money, Austin was free to pursue his passions.
Should he take an interest in business, the trust fund could serve as his initial investment, potentially launching him into success under his management.