Chapter 1413

Chapter 1413:

? ? ? ? ?

“Are you really going to go out like that?” Jarrod's eyes were cold and sharp. “What are you so eager to do?”

Nicole's heart sank, sensing his suspicion in his words. She straightened her back and declared, "I have nothing to do, Mr. Schultz. This is your house, and since you and Miss Hampton are about to get married, it is inappropriate for me to stay here."

“Inappropriate”? Jarrod swirled the whiskey in his glass and sneered, “When you kissed me last night, you didn't think it was inappropriate. Now you think it’s inappropriate to stay here a while, Miss Lawrence?”

He emphasized “Miss Lawrence” in a slow, mocking tone, reflecting her earlier formality when she had referred to him as “Mr. Schultz.” If she wanted to act strange, he was willing to play along.

Nicole's cheeks flushed slightly. She didn't remember much about the previous night, but Jarrod's words stirred faint memories in her. At that moment, she fully understood that getting drunk wasn't the scary part, but the aftermath. Despite being forced to consume the adulterated drink, she couldn't deny her actions.

Nicole's voice softened. "I apologize for my behavior while I wasn't gloomy."

“No apologies necessary,” Jarrod replied coldly. “I don't accept them because I don't offer second chances.” His tone was unyielding.

Realizing she was intentionally making things complicated, Nicole looked up.

"So what do you want?"

Jarrod didn't respond with words, but by pulling out a small video camera and tossing it onto the bed.

Nicole's expression changed dramatically. It was her camera mounted on the chamber. How did Jarrod get it? Had Jemma given it to him?

Nicole quickly dismissed the idea. She refused to suspect Jemma, despite their brief relationship. For some reason, she didn't believe Jemma would betray her.

If Jemma had wanted to hurt him, she'd had plenty of opportunities already. There was no reason to wait until now. So it must have been something Jarrod had thought of.

Nicole was amazed at Jarrod's insight. He had accurately predicted that she would use the mini-camera to record Doreen and Vicki's bullies against her.

Nicole reached for the camera, but before her fingers could touch it, she was stopped by her mocking voice. “It's useless now.”

Looking over, Nicole noticed that the storage card was missing. It was clear that Jarrod had no intention of giving it back to her after seeing her contents.

After all, the wrongdoers caught on camera were his cousin, his fiancée and his future brother-in-law, people deeply connected to him. He would not allow them to suffer any repercussions.

Facing Jarrod, Nicole said, “Since you removed the storage card, I assume you’ve seen everything on it.”

“Yes, I've seen it,” Jarrod admitted openly.

“Did you hear what your fiancée said?” Nicole, visibly emotional, pressed him for an answer. “Are you sure she’s the right choice to be Austin’s stepmother?”

In reality, Jarrod had been firm in his decision after watching the recording. But just then, Nicole's muttered words from the night before echoed in her mind. Even in her unconscious state, she murmured Roscoe's name.

Jarrod then remembered Nicole's indifference towards him, plotting against him relentlessly, her determination to bring him down evident.

So when it was time to speak, Jarrod changed his words. His voice was cold and distant as he replied, “It doesn't have to be her. Any woman can play the role of stepmother to Austin. Since no one will want him as their own, I might as well choose someone who will benefit me more.”

It was a cruel statement. What kind of father would consider using his son as a mere instrument for his personal gain?

Nicole's anger flared and she blurred out, "Jarrod, have you lost your mind?"

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