Chapter 417 No More Meeting With Watts Raegan gave a nod, signaling her agreement.
Nicole peeked around, ensuring their conversation remained private, and said in a low voice, "I've mailed a box of medication to your workshop, under your name. After three days, head the medication over to the alley beside 120 Ashfield, find a house marked by three red bricks, and give it to an old lady living there." Raegan felt confused, pondering why such medication had to be shrouded in mystery.
Raegan recalled Nicole had lost her family. Before the sorrowful demise of Wesson, Nicole's kin, lured by selfish desires, had abandoned Nicole and her
parents. Nicole hadn't mentioned any old woman who was still in touch with her.
Nicole said, "Raegan, it's vital that you tell no one about this, Mitchel included." Considering Mitchel and | Jarrod's tight bond, letting Mitchel in on the plan would risk exposing Austin's hideout.
Despite her bewilderment, Raegan took Nicole's earnest request to heart.
She promised softly, "I'll make sure it's delivered." Tears streamed down Nicole's face as she barely got the words out, saying, "Raegan, I'm grateful. Whatever you see there, I'll fill you in later." "Let's leave gratitude out of this,’ Raegan said.
"Be cautious of followers when you go.
Jarrod's got me worried..."
Raegan assured Nicole, "Understood." "The medicine has to be in that old woman's hands within four days at most. It's a life-saving medicine." Nicole placed her trust in Raegan. With Mitchel's support, Raegan could evade Jarrod's wrath by keeping silent, should she get caught. But the fate of others might not be so fortunate.
Jarrod, driven by despair, could resort to anything.
Their quiet exchange was interrupted when the butler approached Nicole and said, "Miss Lawrence, it's time for Mr. Schultz's medication." Nicole replied indifferently, "I'm aware." Sensing Nicole's distress, Raegan patted her hand and said, "I'll see if Mitchel can help you get you out of here sooner."
Nicole gently refused, "Raegan, don't trouble yourself. He won't release me." * Raegan voiced her exasperation, "How can he keep you confined like this? Even without Mitchel's assistance, my | brother could find you a lawyer to challenge him!" "Raegan, it's not as simple as that. I was the one who caused him harm. It's only fair I look after him," Nicole said, sparing Raegan the details of Jarrod's more possessive tendencies.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtUnderstanding Jarrod's intractability, Raegan realized fretting over it was futile.
Witnessing Nicole's acceptance of her duty to tend to Jarrod left Raegan no choice but to agree, "Fine, but promise me you'll inform me if anything happens, okay?"
| Nicole made her way back to Jarrod's room.
+ Upon entering, Nicole noticed Jarrod, looking unwell yet still busy at his computer. She hadn't anticipated his commitment to work. Her investigation indicated Jarrod had distanced himself from the company's daily affairs for the first three years after her departure.
Without a solid system and Alec's faithful oversight, the Schultz empire could have crumbled within three years.
Even though the Schultz company had slipped from the top ranks in Ardlens, it was still a powerhouse to be reckoned with.
Upon noticing Nicole, Jarrod closed his laptop and said, "It's time for my medication." He intended for her to feed him.
| Despite his calm tone, Nicole felt a shiver run down her spine. This was not the first time she had helped him with his medicine since his awakening He had been equally serene before, not probing her actions.
The reasoning behind his behavior puzzled Nicole. She took the bowl containing the herbal medicine, aimed at speeding up the healing process, and spoon-fed him Jarrod accepted each spoonful as though it was something delightful.
Given the medicine's inherent bitterness, it should be consumed quickly to prevent an upset stomach.
However, Jarrod preferred being spoon- fed by Nicole.
After he had taken all his medicine, Nicole dabbed his mouth with a tissue, much like one would care for a patient.
| Showing a hint of vulnerability, Jarrod said to Nicole in a softer tone, "Thank you." Their interaction was notably calm, a first for them.
| Breaking the silence, Nicole said, "Jarrod, I need to inform my family and have some work to catch up on. May I use my phone?" Handing her his phone, Jarrod said, "Feel free." "I need my phone, though." Adjusting the angle of his bed, Jarrod gave her a smirk and asked, "And who do you intend to reach with your phone?" "I have some orders to take care of..." Before Nicole could elaborate, Jarrod interrupted with a laugh and said, "From this moment, you're to avoid
any interaction or communication with anyone named Watts, or they'll face consequences." Nicole responded sharply, "Jarrod, what makes you think I'll obey you?" | Nicole pondered Roscoe's return to the Watts family might actually be a blessing in disguise. At the very least, Jarrod would have to reconsider any actions against Roscoe.
"Do you believe Roscoe's association with the Watts family makes him invulnerable?" Jarrod seemed to read Nicole's mind.
He then abruptly held her chin tightly and said, "Nicole, you're underestimating me." Undeterred, Nicole retorted, "Jarrod, is intimidation all you're capable of? Have you become so desperate that you resort to these measures?"
Jarrod replied with a sneer, "As long as it works on you." He was indifferent to the method as long as it served his purpose. Whether it was pulling the Schultz family from the brink of disaster or executing grand plans, his methods had always been unyielding.
Just like Jarrod had once reclaimed the reins of the Schultz empire with sheer determination, he aimed to ensure Nicole remained by his side, employing that same determination. The woman Jarrod set his sights on would remain untouched by others.
"There's nothing inappropriate between Roscoe and me. You're seeing things that aren't there," Nicole asserted.
Jarrod felt reassured by her words.
Although Nicole might despise him, she wasn't deceitful toward him.
| His mood lightened, and he gently said, "Just stay well and by my side, and no harm will come your way. Also, I have some good news for you." "Good news?" Nicole laughed and said, "Jarrod, do you want to know what would truly be good news for me? Seeing you pay for what happened to my father, would be genuine good news." Unmoved, Jarrod replied casually, "The news is indeed positive, but I'm not ready to share it just yet." Nicole was convinced Jarrod had lost his senses. His statements didn't make any sense. The "good news" from Jarrod was something she didn't even want to contemplate.
"perhaps we'll share good news later on." Nicole smirked.
Jarrod's curiosity peaked, he lifted an
( eyebrow, and said, "You've got good news for me as well?" "Yes. Are you excited to hear it?" Nicole asked with a smile.
Jarrod was aware that any good news coming from Nicole would undoubtedly concern him, and probably not in a way he'd appreciate.
He managed a small smile and said, "I'm eager to hear it." Then, he said, "Assist me with cleaning up." Nicole's demeanor turned icy and said, "That's a task for the nurses." "I'd prefer you to handle it," Jarrod said firmly.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Jarrod, keep wishing!" Nicole thought he was utterly without shame.
"wash me, and I'll let you use the phone for a brief ten minutes," Jarrod
| said, tempting her Nicole reluctantly agreed, "Fine." She - saw this as an opportunity to torment him, given his vulnerable state.
Gathering water, Nicole squeezed the towel dry, while Jarrod didn't move.
She instructed, "Open your shirt." "Do you expect a patient to do that himself?" "Your hands are fine," Nicole said.
"vet. 1 lack the strength to do so," Jarrod claimed ear nestly.
Nicole vividly remembered his strong grip on her chin earlier. She roughly unbuttoned his shirt, showing no softness in her approach. She didn't soften her touch even when near his injuries.
Jarrod had let his physical condition slide previously but had worked his
way back to fitness, boasting an impressive physique. His solid muscles radiated a potent masculine presence.
As Nicole applied pressure to Jarrod's wound, his tone became husky as he said, "Biting me might leave a deeper mark." Nicole paused, sensing an unusual tone in his voice. Upon a closer look, she fully grasped the situation. Her face instantly twisted in revulsion.
This revulsion seemed to deepen the shadow in Jarrod's eyes. He abruptly caught Nicole's hand, holding onto her.
For a moment, Nicole was stunned.
Then, feeling as though a boundary had been breached, she attempted to pull away, but Jarrod pinned her effortlessly against his chest.
Despite his injuries, Jarrod subdued Nicole easily.
| | Jjarrod's voice, low and deep, said, "Nicole, let me enjoy myself, or we can go all the way. You choose."