Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Jarrod asked, “What did you find?”
Conor explained, “On the day Alec supposedly tried to end his life, he had sent everyone away.”
This action had initially seemed to confirm Alec’s intent to commit suicide, as it appeared premeditated.
But Jarrod doubted it. The day before the incident, Alec had conversed normally with him, showing no signs of distress.
Moreover, Alec held a deep hatred for Roscoe. Knowing Alec’s vengeful nature, Jarrod reasoned that Alec wouldn’t just end his own life.
Jarrod had kept his doubts to himself at that time. Instead, he used the situation as an outlet for his frustration, directing his anger at Nicole and holding her responsible for everything. In fact, he had been quietly looking into the specifics of Alec’s incident.
Currently, Alec had been sent overseas for medical care. Although he remained unconscious, his life was no longer at risk.
Jarrod had insisted on treatment outside the country, worried that someone might try to harm Alec if he stayed. This unknown person appeared to be pulling the strings behind the scenes, likely orchestrating the entire series of events.
But what exactly was the mastermind’s objective? That remained unknown. Jarrod suppressed his emotions, anticipating the next move of the mysterious individual.
Conor remarked, “Recently, I discovered that a janitor found a pen on the floor. She took it home for her grandson because it looked nice. When I questioned her about anything amiss, she recalled the incident.”
Displaying the pen from the janitor, Conor stated, “Here it is.”
Jarrod examined the pen, noting its weight and value. It closely resembled his usual personal pens, but Alec seldom indulged in writing. When he did, he preferred whatever was convenient. It was uncommon for him to carry such an upscale pen.
This pen contradicted Alec’s rough demeanor.
Conor shared Jarrod’s perspective and continued, “Alec never wielded such a pen. Upon investigation, it’s identified as one favored by the Uchaesau royal family, commanding a hefty sum.
Most individuals disregard the brand of a pen, yet this implies the owner engages in writing-related endeavors, utilizing such a pen frequently. Even if his refinement is feigned, it’s a facade he diligently maintains.”
Conor’s astute analysis hit the mark, providing a clearer depiction of the elusive mastermind behind the scenes.
“If this is a noble’s pen, then its users in Ardlens should be scarce. Investigate the Uchaesau orders thoroughly, exploring any potential ties to Ardlens,” Jarrod directed.
This individual had always eluded detection. The sole lead they had—the pen—offered little promise. While they operated in plain sight, the mysterious individual lurked in the shadows, placing them at a disadvantage.
Jarrod silently vowed to apprehend this mysterious individual before Nicole’s childbirth, neutralizing the threat.
“And locate Jamie,” Jarrod commanded. Jamie likely held connections to this mysterious figure; otherwise, she wouldn’t have intruded into his life, possibly acting under their directives.
Now, Jarrod entertained suspicions that everyone around him might be entangled with this mysterious individual. He pondered the type of person capable of intertwining such a myriad of characters.
The ingenuity behind this individual’s methods intrigued him. And what vendetta drove this person to such extreme lengths? Every aspect remained veiled in obscurity.
Nicole entered Rhett’s ward. He still had an IV attached, appearing quite frail.
Concerned, Nicole inquired, “Mr. Bates, are you running a fever today?”
“A slight one, but nothing too severe,” Rhett responded.
“I brought you some congee. I noticed you had quite the appetite yesterday.”
Before arriving, Nicole had brought takeout. Spotting the discarded lunch box in Rhett’s trash made her feel remorseful.
With no one by his side, Rhett lay solitary in the hospital.
Rhett said in a low voice, “Just leave it here. I’ll eat it later.”
Nicole, eager to assist, said, “If you’re hungry, I can open it for you and set it up here. It would make eating easier for you.”
“That would be helpful,” Rhett replied, not declining.
Nicole, as she had done the day before, remained by Rhett’s side as he ate, cleaning up afterward.
“Mr. Bates, do you experience any other symptoms besides the fever?” Nicole inquired, her worry evident.
Rhett shook his head, stating, “Thus far, only the low-grade fever.”
Nicole felt a slight sense of relief but remained concerned. Indeed, even a mild fever was cause for concern.
Observing Nicole’s troubled expression, Rhett reassured her with a smile, “Miss Lawrence, please don’t worry. I’ve come to terms with whatever fate has in store for me. Whatever may happen, it’s my destiny. Don’t blame yourself.”
Yet, the more Rhett expressed this sentiment, the heavier Nicole’s guilt weighed upon her. She uttered softly.
“Mr. Bates, please refrain from comforting me. I carry a profound sense of responsibility. Had I not fallen ill suddenly, you wouldn’t have escorted me to the hospital, and you wouldn’t have encountered that altercation with the intoxicated man. Let’s simply hope for the best outcome. Regardless of what happens, I am indebted to you. If ever you require assistance in the future, I will spare no effort.”
Rhett remarked, “It appears no matter my efforts to persuade you otherwise, you’ll still harbor that sense of responsibility.”
His jesting tone eased Nicole’s apprehension regarding the pledge. She nodded. “Without a doubt!”
At that instant, Nicole’s phone rang. It displayed an unfamiliar number.
Stepping outside to answer, Nicole was met with silence on the other end.
Nicole asked, “Hello, who is this?”
Nicole was left speechless. “If you remain silent, I will terminate the call.”
As Nicole prepared to end the call, a voice broke through the silence. “Nicole.”
Nicole was startled. She recognized the voice instantly—it belonged to Callie.
It had been days since Ethel mentioned that Callie’s family had secluded themselves at home, exhibiting no signs of activity.
And Brett had not made a single appearance. It appeared their previous actions had put him on guard. Brett had grown wary.
Nicole understood that fretting would serve no purpose. If Brett remained elusive, they had no means to track him down.
Yet, Callie’s unexpected call sparked a renewed sense of hope within Nicole. She inquired cautiously, “Is that you, Callie?”
“Yes, Nicole, it’s me.”
Nicole probed, “What’s happening?”
Callie lapsed into silence once more.
Undeterred, Nicole questioned, “Do you require my assistance?”
After a pause, Callie responded, “No.”
“Then…” Before Nicole could complete her thought, Callie interjected once more. “Nicole, my… My dad intends to take me away.”
Nicole was rendered speechless. It appeared Brett was making arrangements to escape, unable to bear abandoning Callie, thus he resolved to take her along.
Nicole inquired, “May I have the opportunity to meet your father?”
Callie paused briefly before questioning, “Nicole, is everything you said true? Is my father truly implicated in your father’s demise?”
Rather than a direct response, Nicole remarked, “Callie, I also seek the truth. Hence, I require your father to disclose it himself.”
In the subsequent silence from Callie, Nicole continued, “Do you have faith in me, Callie?”
Nicole added, “I assure you, I’ll only engage with your father. His whereabouts will remain undisclosed. Does that meet your approval?”
Following a moment of contemplation, Callie agreed. “Very well, I shall disclose. But you must come alone.”
“Understood,” Nicole tempered her excitement.
Upon her return to Rhett’s ward, Nicole informed Rhett of an urgent matter demanding her attention.
Rhett grinned and said, “Please proceed. I’ll manage here.”
Once Nicole departed, Rhett’s gaze assumed a profound, contemplative demeanor.
Nicole followed the address provided by Callie, going alone. Reflecting on her prior encounter, Nicole opted for solitary travel to prevent alerting Brett and to secure answers.
The destination was quite a distance away, nestled within the suburban expanse. According to Callie, Brett intended to flee the country with her, starting their journey from a secluded hamlet bordering the county—an optimal spot for crossing the border unnoticed.
Upon Nicole’s arrival, darkness had already settled over the area. In the suburban neighborhood, only a handful of residences stood, while Brett and Callie took refuge in an abandoned school, biding their time.
Approaching the gate, Nicole followed Callie’s instructions, sneaking in through a gap in the rear wall. The location had been long abandoned, with wild grass covering every inch—a perfect hideaway.
Nicole inspected each classroom, searching for signs of life until she reached the third one. There, a slightly hunched figure greeted her sight. Nicole immediately recognized him—Brett.
Over the years, Brett’s appearance had changed little, but his posture no longer held its former rigidity. Life’s hardships had clearly taken their toll on him.
With a mix of anticipation and apprehension, Nicole knocked gently on the door.
Brett swiftly turned, gripping a sturdy cane, his gaze locked on the entrance.
When he saw Nicole, his face shifted, confusion washing over him. He couldn’t comprehend how Nicole had found him. “You…”