Recalling carefully, Nicole realized there had been a single instance when she and Jarrod accidentally compromised the condom.
But he hadnât stoppedâ¦
Nicole drew in a deep breath, endeavoring to quell her agitation.
Given her present frail physique, how could she conceive? It was impossible.
After ending the call, Nicole scrutinized the date displayed on her phone.
Given her history of irregular menstrual cycles, she dismissed this monthâs delay as inconsequential.
Howeverâ¦
Nicole proceeded to purchase a pregnancy test online and awaited its arrival with a knot of apprehension.
In the presidentâs office at the Schultz Group, an assistant approached Jarrod with deference.
âMr.
Schultz, Mr.
Watts has finalized an investment deal with the Dixon Groupâs president.
If this stands, our ability to intervene in Mr.
Wattsâ project will be curtailed.
Should we seek clarification from Mr.
Dixon?â
The assistant conveyed the message with meticulous care.
Intervening now would mean directly challenging the Dixon Group, a force stronger than the Schultz Group in financial resources and capabilities.
Historically, the two companies, led by presidents with a longstanding amicable rapport, never crossed paths as competitors, fostering an environment of mutual respect.
Despite sporadic interactions, neither sought to stifle the otherâs progress.
The recent decision by the Dixon Group to align with Roscoe appears unjust.
The Watts familyâs predicament had already ignited widespread discussion, with external speculation suggesting that the Schultz Group had been inhibiting Roscoe because of Doreen.
Jarrodâs conspicuous silence on the matter spoke volumes, suggesting a desire for Roscoeâs downfall.
The assistant doubted that Mitchel, the president of the Dixon Group, was oblivious to this situation.
If Mitchel indeed opted to partner with the Watts family despite these circumstances, wouldnât that be a direct affront to Jarrod? Werenât Mitchel and Jarrod friends?
The Watts family was in disarray, hardly an attractive prospect for the Dixon Groupâs investment.
Jarrod was taken aback by Roscoeâs ability to persuade Mitchel, knowing that Mitchel only invested where he saw genuine potential, immune to pressure.
But how had Roscoe made inroads with Mitchel?
Raegan seemed the likely connector, possibly through Nicoleâs intervention.
Jarrod, with a smirk, noted Nicoleâs decisive actions.
She was determined not to let Roscoe suffer in the slightest.
âLetâs set this aside for now,â he declared, not wanting to confront Mitchel yet, but resolved to seek an explanation later.
A letter from a lawyer Nicole had engaged sat on Jarrodâs desk.
Jarrod scoffed.
Nicole was really something, securing a daring lawyer willing to tackle their case.
Custody battle? Visitation rights? He had made his stance clear.
If Nicole chose Roscoe, she shouldnât harbor any illusions about laying eyes on Austin again.
He wouldnât allow his son to address Roscoe as âdadâ or even âuncle.
â
Displeased, Jarrod tapped the law firmâs name and directed, âI donât want to see this law firm again.
â
His assistant acknowledged, âUnderstood, Mr.
Schultz.
â
Shortly, the Law firm in question faced a rigorous tax investigation, leading to its shutdown.
Meanwhile, Nicole, still at the hospital for a checkup, was fraught with anxiety.
The initial results of her pregnancy test were ambiguous, yet her persistent nausea fueled her unease.
She awaited the blood test results, and after an agonizing wait, she received the report.
The results indicated high levels.
Nicoleâs heart sank as the doctor announced, âCongratulations, Miss, youâre pregnant.
â
Stunned, Nicole responded, âWhat? How is that possible? I had part of my stomach removed before.
How can I be pregnant with my condition?â