Chapter 1682

Chapter 1682: (END)

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In the courtroom, the judge announced the verdict. “Jarrod Schultz is found guilty of murder. However, given his complex relationship with the victim and the evidence presented by the witnesses, he is sentenced to twenty years in prison.”

“Sir…” Still stunned from testifying against Rhett, Alec called Jarrod in tears.

Behind Alec, Nicole held their two-month-old daughter, tearful-eyed but calm. Seeing the little girl wrapped in the tiny pink blanket, Jarrod felt content. He didn't leave a message for Nicole, simply turning to Alec to say, “Take care of them.”

Alec, who knew exactly who Jarrod was referring to, agreed. “Sir, I will. “I’ll be here when you get out.”

Fifteen years later, at the prison gates, Jarrod emerged, dressed in the same clothes he had worn when he was incarcerated, still carrying himself with dignity. Thanks to his good behavior, he had earned early release. The years had marked Jarrod's face with lines that gave him a distinguished and sophisticated appearance.

Conor and Alec were waiting outside. When Jarrod appeared, Alec ran to him, hugging him tightly and crying. “Sir, it’s been hard for you!”

The tall, one-handed Alec burst into tears like a child.

“Sir…” Conor lit a cigarette and offered it to Jarrod.

Jarrod accepted it, took a drag and joked: "I've become quite the tailor. I'll sew you a suit."

Alec was speechless. He blinked, but Jarrod's comment instantly lifted the heavy atmosphere.

Alec, laughing through his tears, said, “Lord, I can't wait.”

Jarrod chuckled and replied playfully, “Dream on.”

Looking into the distance, Jarrod realized that apart from Alec and Conor, no one else had come to greet him. Feeling a mix of disappointment and relief, he thought it was probably for the best. After all, it wasn't a joyous event and it was best to keep it away from his children's eyes.

Conor signaled, and the driver quickly brought the car closer. “Please get in, Mr. Schultz,” Conor said respectfully.

Jarrod paused and corrected him: “Stop calling me Mr. Schultz.”

While in prison, Jarrod had hired a lawyer to finalize his divorce, making sure Nicole received divorce papers. The agreement transferred Jarrod's assets, including all of his businesses, to Nicole. Now, she owned nothing.

Conor agreed understandingly and said, “Understood.”

Alec added: “I don't care. I will continue to address you like that. “I am disabled now and you have to help me earn a living.”

Jarrod cheered up when he saw that Alec was in a better mood.

As Alec turned around, Jarrod noticed that the back of Alec's suit was covered in playful stickers. Pausing, I have peeled one off.

Alec, seeing the sticker on Jarrod's hand, laughed. "It's Kylie's doing. She loves to sneak up on me and stick them on me. She waits for me to tickle her."

Jarrod's daughter Kylie was born on the day of the kidnapping. Alec's change to a more cheerful disposition was largely due to Kylie. Unlike the quiet Austin, Kylie was vibrant and charming, and delighted everyone around her. Alec had kept his word, always looking out for Nicole and their two children. Over time, any past conflict between Alec and Nicole dissolved.

Jarrod looked at the pig sticker before quietly putting it back in his pocket. Alec knew how much Jarrod missed his children. Although Jarrod had refused to have visitors in prison, not wanting his children to see him in such conditions, he had thought of them often over the years.

“Please take the car,” Alec said, breaking the silence.

Once Jarrod was settled into the car, Alec began to fill him in on the latest developments. “The family has been very supportive of Miss Lawrence, and her children have become good friends with their own. Mr. Stevens has taken good care of Kylie and Austin. And Mrs. Lawrence's brother, Erick, married their maid's daughter, Elin, eight years ago. It caused quite a stir, but they're happy now and have a daughter. Even Landen has come to his senses. Remember Officer Ethel Castro, who was close to Miss Lawrence? Turns out she's actually Miss Lawrence's biological sister. They found out when Miss Lawrence's mother needed a blood transfusion, and Ethel was a perfect match. A DNA test later confirmed that Ethel was the sister Miss Lawrence thought had been dead for a long time…”

Jarrod listened attentively.

The car stopped in front of a luxurious hotel. It looked like a welcome party had been organized for Jarrod. However, Jarrod said: “No need, I just want to rest.”

Alec, more assertive than usual, said, "You can rest later. You just have to see what awaits you."

Conor added: “Yes, Schultz, it would be an honor to have you join us.”

Finally, Jarrod stepped out of the car. As he entered the reserved room, he was greeted by a crowd of familiar faces.

Just then, a young woman came running up to Jarrod, and he instinctively caught her.

Looking at Jarrod with wide eyes, the little girl asked, “Are you my daddy?”

Seeing the striking resemblance to him, Jarrod was stunned. Kylie continued: “Mommy said you made a mistake and had to go away for a while. Now you're back because you've learned your lesson. So you're my dad, right?”

“Yes,” Jarrod replied, his voice shaking with emotion.

Kylie hugged him and said, “Welcome, Dad.”

Kylie pointed to a young man nearby and said, “My brother and I are here to welcome you.”

Jarrod's eyes filled with tears.

Austin came over and said, “Welcome, Dad.”

It was evident that Nicole had done a wonderful job raising the children.

Mitchel and Luis stepped forward, hugging Jarrod. “Welcome, brother.”

Raegan smiled at her three children, saying cheerfully, “Say hello to Mr. Schultz.”

The three young men stepped forward to greet Jarrod.

Then Nicole walked over slowly, looking at Jarrod, and murmured, "Mr. Schultz, how long."

Seeing Nicole looking as stunning and charming as ever, Jarrod felt his tears threatening to spill over. Fifteen years, over five thousand days, and the woman he had thought about incessantly standing before him.

Jarrod's lips trembled slightly as he replied, "It's been a long time, Nicole."

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End.

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Note from Tac-K: End of the novel, lovely people. I hope you liked the story. I also want to tell you that I will let you know through the WhatsApp community how the ideas of making an alternative ending and a sequel are going, if possible, since this novel is very interesting. For the rest… as always… thank you for joining me in a new story, and each story is a new world. God loves you and Tac-K loves you very much. (>‿=)✌

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