Chapter 2577
This revelation further unsettled and troubled Jarrod deeply.
What sort of bond did Rhett share with Nicole? Despite their limited encounters, Rhett seemed remarkably significant.
Observing Jarrod’s perturbed countenance, Conor hastened to reassure him, “Miss Lawrence’s visit was brief.
She departed in the evening, as confirmed by the hospital staff.
”
Jarrod maintained his stoic facade, offering no response.
Conor, sensing the tension, refrained from broaching the subject further and redirected the conversation to business matters.
However, their discussion was abruptly interrupted by an unexpected visitor.
It was Jarrod’s cousin, Hallie.
“Jarrod, I need your help with Doreen!” Hallie exclaimed upon entering, seemingly disregarding their prior altercation.
Jarrod’s expression soured, but Hallie pressed on without pause, lamenting, “I encountered Doreen earlier today.
She’s visibly emaciated and utterly fatigued.
The torment she endures and the bruises she bears… It’s unbearable.
After all she’s endured, how can she endure this?”
Hallie wiped away her tears, genuinely distraught for her daughter’s plight.
This time, she approached the situation with more tact, avoiding any mention of Doreen’s transgressions and instead emphasizing Doreen’s suffering, hoping to evoke Jarrod’s sympathy.
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With Jarrod nursing his wounds from the incident, Hallie had chastised Doreen for the latter’s perceived failure, which ultimately ended with the failure to hurt Nicole, inadvertently reducing Jarrod to hospitalization instead.
Now, with Jarrod injured and Doreen facing serious charges, the situation had worsened considerably.
If Jarrod were to draft a letter of pardon, attributing the incident to an unintended occurrence, there was a possibility Doreen could receive a suspended sentence rather than imprisonment.
In doing so, Doreen would avoid the ordeal of incarceration.
However, Nicole’s testimony influenced the severity of the charges against Doreen, resulting in a harsher penalty.
After seeking legal counsel, it became evident that Doreen could face several years of incarceration, potentially five to ten.
Faced with this dire situation, both Doreen and Hallie harbored resentment toward Nicole for their predicament.
Jarrod replied calmly, “Had you and Doreen heeded my warnings, this tragedy could have been avoided.
I am unable to assist Doreen now.
Hallie, you must explore alternative ways.
”
Jarrod coldly refused.
Hallie persisted relentlessly since Jarrod stood as their sole beacon of hope.
Devoid of his aid, Doreen’s conviction loomed as an inevitable outcome.NôvelDrama.Org content.
“Jarrod, I recognize my previous harshness and the distress it caused you.
I beseech your forgiveness.
You understand the irreplaceable value Doreen holds as my sole beloved daughter.
Should she be incarcerated, I fear I would be utterly lost.
The mere thought of harm befalling her is unbearable…” Hallie sobbed sorrowfully.
Jarrod’s silence persisted, prompting her to press on.
“Jarrod, despite your anger, recall our familial bond.
Your unfortunate loss of parents in your youth weighed heavily upon us all.
Your mother entrusted your well-being to me, and though my support was modest, the burden of guilt has never left me.
Thanks to your efforts, our circumstances have improved, yet just as we begin to find solace, the specter of imprisonment looms over my only daughter.
How can I endure this…”
“Jarrod, don’t you dare forget how I’ve supported you before.
You have no idea what my husband had put me through when I lent you that money.
He was still complaining about it on his deathbed…”
Hallie droned endlessly, but Jarrod found her words exasperating.
He’d never prioritized family loyalty, and it wasn’t as if Hallie had given him the money out of pure kindness.
Jarrod raised an eyebrow at Hallie.
“There’s something I’ve kept hidden.
Years ago, my mother had lent you two million dollars.
After her death, you exploited my grief during your visit, pretending to offer comfort while secretly destroying the debt evidence.
”
Hallie’s eyes widened, shock surging through her.
She had never imagined Jarrod knew about her actions.
An admission of guilt was inconceivable, prompting her to vehemently deny his accusation.
“Jarrod, are you jesting? Surely, you’re mistaken.
While I may not be affluent, I would never resort to such deceitful tactics!”