Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Nicole’s heart lurched into her throat as she watched. She gasped, “No, no!” Austin was allergic to mangoes. How could he possibly agree to eat them?
When Jarrod had taken Austin away from Nicole, he had ensured the doctors checked and provided a list of Austin’s dietary restrictions, which the nanny had passed on to the staff at the Schultz residence.
How could Vicki consider giving Austin mangoes? This had to be intentional. Vicki was trying to harm Austin!
Panic surged through Nicole, her back drenched in sweat, her body trembling uncontrollably. She bolted up and ran, but in her haste, she tripped and fell. Pain shot through her head, her body aching from the impact.
Ignoring the pain, Nicole forced herself to her feet and ran again.
Reaching the ground floor, she hailed a taxi, driven by a desperate need to protect her son.
After entering the taxi, Nicole nervously directed the driver to Jarrod’s villa.
Situated halfway up the mountain rather than in the city center, Jarrod’s residence required over two hours of travel by taxi to reach.
However, the taxi halted at the mountain’s base. The driver informed, “Miss, we’re prohibited from driving up to this estate. Do you possess any authorization allowing me to proceed? If not, regrettably, you’ll need to ascend on foot.”
Nicole shook her head, aware that gaining permission to ascend was unlikely.
The driver continued, “In that case, I apologize, miss. Kindly get out of the car and make your way up on foot.”
Nicole acquiesced, settled the fare, and exited the vehicle.
As Nicole strolled away, the driver’s gaze lingered on her silhouette, pondering if she might be yet another woman drawn to the callous charms of the affluent playboys.
Nestled along the slopes lay several opulent estates belonging to esteemed families. Within this enclave, a scion might have callously wounded the affections of a certain woman.
Scaling the hill demanded a minimum of forty minutes on foot.
As Nicole reached the initial security checkpoint, stringent protocols barred outsiders from entry. However, armed with the access code discreetly obtained from Jarrod’s nanny, she confidently proceeded.
This precaution was devised in case of an emergency, allowing Nicole to get in for the scenario where even divine intervention would falter in rescuing Austin.
Upon inputting the code, Nicole gained entry.
The ascent from the mountain’s base to its midsection was considerable, compounded by Nicole’s frail physical state. The relentless midday sun intensified her fatigue, each step became increasingly arduous and draining.
No soul traversed this route toward the mansion. Even the butler had a chauffeured conveyance arranged, sparing none the necessity of pedestrian travel.
Nicole pressed on for over forty minutes before arriving at Jarrod’s estate.
The mansion’s entrance stood firmly shut, prompting Nicole to approach and rap on its imposing door.
Emerging from within, a vigilant security guard inquired, “Whom do you seek?”
Providing the nanny’s name, Nicole was met with a perplexed frown as the guard rebutted, “No such individual resides here.”
Even if such a person existed, servants were not typically recognized by the security. They only acknowledged the masters of the household and individuals of significance.
Undeterred, Nicole asserted, “I am the biological mother of the young master here, and I demand to see him.”
The security guards exchanged glances. While acknowledging Austin’s presence, they remained oblivious to any mention of his biological mother.
Furthermore, Vicki stood as the sole visitor available to attend to Austin. Suddenly, this woman emerged, claiming to be his biological mother. How could they readily accept her assertion and grant her entry?
Additionally, even if she were indeed Austin’s biological mother, they still couldn’t permit her entry. As they hadn’t received instructions from Jarrod, they were unable to grant her access.
They gestured firmly, stating, “Madam, if indeed you are the young master’s mother, you can contact Mr. Schultz to arrange for security clearance. We’re simply fulfilling our duties, endeavoring not to inconvenience you.”
The security guards of the mansion were cunning. Having encountered numerous purported VIPs of little significance, they refrained from condescension. Instead, they maintained a consistently polite demeanor toward all individuals.
They didn’t want to offend Austin’s biological mother if Nicole was telling the truth. They dared not exhibit any discourtesy toward her.
Even if she wasn’t, exhibiting politeness remained a virtue. However, admission for her was only contingent upon them obtaining directions.
Nicole considered the guard’s stance accurate. In the absence of Jarrod’s directives, access to the estate was prohibited. She retrieved her phone, pondered briefly, and then dialed Jarrod’s number.
Unexpectedly, it was Alec who answered the call.
The recent conflict over the wedding still lingered, and Alec’s response to Nicole was far from courteous. Instead, his tone carried a hint of sarcasm.
“Miss Lawrence, what prompts you to contact Mr. Schultz? It’s quite rare. What? You got good news?”
Nicole disregarded his ironic tone and inquired straightforwardly, “Is Jarrod available?”
“He’s currently engaged in a meeting.” Before Nicole could interject, Alec added, “He is addressing the aftermath of your previous blunder.
Miss Lawrence, your conduct at Roscoe’s wedding was rather startling.
I’m uncertain what prompted Mr. Schultz to retrieve you from the wedding venue, but as a consequence, the collaboration with the Watts family has unraveled.
It’s not that the Watts family proposed discontinuing the collaboration. Rather, Mr. Schultz harbors a disdain for Roscoe and decisively terminates the arrangement.
While the termination was quite gratifying, it necessitates finding another partner, hence he is now diligently pursuing alternatives despite sustaining injuries.
Nicole had never realized Alec could be so persistently bothersome.
He had talked for a long time, yet none of it aligned with her interests. Jarrod’s personal affairs failed to captivate her attention.
Whether or not Jarrod terminated the cooperation with the Watts family mattered little to her. After all, the Watts family business didn’t concern Roscoe.
It was commendable that Jarrod was willing to stir up trouble for the Watts family. Recently, the Watts family had become less audacious, and at least they weren’t concocting any nefarious schemes against Roscoe. At present, her primary concern revolved around Austin’s safety.
Nicole said, “Alec, could you kindly request Jarrod to take my call? I have an urgent matter to discuss.”
“Do you truly expect Mr. Schultz to forsake his duties merely to attend to your call?” Alec asked.
Nicole, momentarily taken aback, responded, “I do have an exceptionally urgent matter…”
“How do I articulate your character, Miss Lawrence?” Alec interrupted her again.
“Every time you seek Mr. Schultz, it’s never for anything commendable. Your association invariably spells trouble, yet he persistently cleans up after you.
Consider the incident on that mountain road. You lack gratitude for Mr. Schultz’s life-saving favor, and as if that wasn’t enough, you even took off to find Roscoe while Mr. Schultz lay unconscious. Your audacity is truly something!”
Do you not realize the extent of his sacrifices to rescue you, bearing wounds across his body? The stick not only shattered the ten -hour work of the surgeon’s needle but also wounded him emotionally.
Even then, he acted out of concern for you. However, you seemed to wish for his demise. How could you be so heartless, Miss Lawrence?
Alec’s agitation heightened as he posed the question once more. “Or perhaps I should inquire, do you possess a conscience at all? Despite Mr. Schultz owing everything to your family, after enduring countless disasters and hardships on your behalf, one would expect some form of reciprocation.”
With a sneer, Alec continued, “Yet not only has there been no reciprocation, but I’ve observed your audacity growing, your determination to undermine him becoming more pronounced. But what does it matter? Let me make this clear. Since Mr. Schultz returned from abroad, he’s been operating legally. Even under scrutiny, the outcome remains unchanged. Do you comprehend? I’ve stood by him for countless years and my allegiance lies with him. A mere glance from him obviates the need for explicit instructions and I’ll handle everything.”
Alec scoffed. “Miss Lawrence, do my words resonate with you?”
Nicole’s thoughts were consumed by concern for Austin, hindering her from fully comprehending Alec’s message.
Nevertheless, she managed to glean some understanding. It dawned on her that all the nefarious activities of the Schultz Group in recent times were orchestrated by Alec. Attempting to implicate Jarrod from that angle would prove futile.
The more Nicole remained silent, the more Alec’s anger intensified.
To him, Nicole appeared heartless and irrational.
Everyone had a unique perspective, and Alec naturally couldn’t comprehend Nicole’s viewpoint.
Frustrated, Alec exclaimed, “Do you get it? I handled all the dirty work! Mr. Schultz advised restraint, but I resisted. The business world is brutal and one must be ruthless to survive! I’m willing to bear the burden for him. Even if someone attacks me, I won’t flinch for the sake of Mr. Schultz’s future.”
With a cold tone, Alec asked, “Do you think I can stand by and watch you harm Mr. Schultz?”
Finally, Nicole interjected, “Alec, I need to talk to Jarrod about Austin.”
She lacked the strength to confront Jarrod or even contemplate it.
For now, her only concern was Austin’s safety.
Unexpectedly, Alec laughed upon hearing this. “Miss Lawrence, your thoughts dwell on your son now? If genuine concern for him existed, you would have refrained from harming his biological father, right?”
He commented, “Mr. Schultz exemplifies exceptional kindness. Had it been another individual, your fate would have been sealed many times over.”
Nicole anxiously inquired, “Who has been tending to Austin Lately?”
Alec’s opinion did not trouble her, but she sensed his unwavering loyalty to Jarrod could shield Austin from harm. Thus, she opted to inquire.
Alec frowned and replied, “Miss Hampton has been tending to him.”
Nicole’s heart sank, prompting her to assert, “I desire to see Austin. I am presently at the doorway of his villa. Kindly seek Jarrod’s approval for me to visit him immediately. My apprehensions for Austin’s well-being persist.”
Alec scoffed. “What’s there to worry about? Miss Hampton tends to Austin admirably. She escorted him to meet Mr. Schultz yesterday. Under her tutelage, Austin addressed Mr. Schultz as ‘Daddy.’ She excels in both care and upbringing. Consequently, Mr. Schultz intends to expedite their union. Rest assured, Miss Lawrence, you are cordially invited to witness their forthcoming nuptials.”
Nicole’s heart plummeted deeper still. Jarrod wanted to marry Vicki as soon as possible? Despite recognizing Vicki’s substantial assistance for Jarrod and her suitability as his future spouse, the announcement still came as a jolt.