âI apologize for yesterday.
I was unexpectedly detained at work and couldnât reach out to you,â Ethel apologized.
âNo trouble.
I got sidetracked as well and forgot to follow up.
â
âI have the day off.
I intend to pay a visit to Brettâs residence.
â
âWhere are you currently? Can you wait for me? Iâd like to accompany you.
â
Brett was the sole individual capable of elucidating the events leading up to Nicoleâs fatherâs demise.
Nicole harbored a desire to inquire of Brett directly.
After coordinating a meeting with Ethel, Nicole swiftly rose, prepared herself, and departed.
Presenting a nourishing soup, the maid conveyed, âMadam, Mr.
Schultz mandated its consumption upon your awakening.
â
âNo, thank you.
I must depart,â Nicole responded.
Persisting, the maid urged, âPlease, indulge.
Otherwise, I shall be held accountable by Mr.
Schultz.
â
Nicoleâs expression soured.
âNo explanation is necessary.
Simply inform him of my refusal.
â
âThisâ¦â The maid was clearly distressed.
âWhy not drink it?â Jarrod emerged from the corner.
âWhere are you rushing off to?â
Nicole was taken aback to find Jarrod still at the house.
He appeared relaxed in casual attire, emerging from the study where he had likely been working for some time.
As Jarrod came down the stairs, he approached Nicole and gently smoothed her hair.
âYou didnât even brush your hair properly.
Whatâs the rush?â
A twinge of anxiety struck Nicole.
Her upcoming meeting with Ethel involved matters related to Jarrod, and she preferred to keep that hidden.
She paused momentarily before responding, âRaegan invited me out for some shopping.
â
Jarrodâs gaze briefly flickered.
âI see.
â
He chose not to probe further.
Instead, he accepted a bowl of soup from the maid, handing it to Nicole.
âThis will help replenish your energy.
You expended quite a bit last night.
Make sure you drink this before you head out.
â
Despite feeling defiant, Nicole worried about arousing suspicion and reluctantly accepted the bowl, drinking the soup quickly.
âALL done.
â
Thereafter, the maid retrieved the empty bowl from her.
Jarrod then proposed, âHold on a moment.
Iâll change and drive you there.
â
Nicoleâs heart raced.
âThereâs no need.
â
âHmm?â Jarrod paused, eyeing her curiously.
Tightening her grip, Nicole resisted giving further details.
âI just donât want you to.
â