Chapter 1601:

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She then asked, “Why did you call me here?”

“I’m willing to let you see Austin,” Jarrod answered directly.

Nicole’s face lit up with happiness, but it was quickly shadowed by concern. “What do you expect in return?” she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Jarrod was not known for his generosity, especially not about matters involving their child.

Although Rhett had mentioned he would speak with Jarrod, Nicole was skeptical that Jarrod could be persuaded so easily. It seemed highly unlikely that Jarrod would compromise just because of one discussion.

Noticing the caution in Nicole’s eyes, Jarrod gave a knowing smirk. “There are conditions.”

Nicole chuckled. She knew it. She was uncertain if she could meet Jarrod’s demands. While she was prepared to do anything for Austin, she couldn’t commit if it required sacrifices from others. As a mother, her willingness to sacrifice was boundless, but she couldn’t expect the same from others for the sake of her child. “Tell me,” Nicole said.

Jarrod said, “I want absolute say in our child’s future planning.” He envisioned Austin carrying on the Schultz legacy. Once Austin’s health improved, Jarrod did not intend to raise a soft child. He planned to groom Austin rigorously.

Nicole was surprised that Jarrod’s request was relatively straightforward. It seemed Jarrod was considering preparing Austin to take over his role. This was an area where Jarrod deserved some influence. Although Nicole would prefer for Austin to follow his own dreams, she recognized Jarrod’s offer as a compromise and didn’t want to cause friction.

“Alright, you can have a say in his future planning,” Nicole agreed.

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“And the child must take my last name, Schultz,” Jarrod said.

Compared to the prospect of being separated from her son, the idea of Austin adopting Jarrod’s surname was not hard to accept for Nicole. It at least indicated that Jarrod acknowledged Austin’s significance in his life.

“Alright.” Nicole wasn’t interested in disputing these points. Her primary focus was on reuniting with Austin as soon as possible.

“And you are not allowed to remarry,” Jarrod declared as another condition.

This term served as a test for Nicole. Jarrod wasn’t without flaws. To him, permitting Nicole to visit their child constituted a significant concession on his part. If Nicole harbored any thoughts of remarriage, Jarrod wouldn’t hesitate to sever her access to their child. He adamantly refused to entertain the notion of another man raising his child. And there was one more thing…

Jarrod furrowed his brow, deep in contemplation.

Nicole hadn’t expected Jarrod to make such a demand, and she was momentarily stunned. However, she swiftly replied, “Very well, I agree.”

Nicole had never entertained thoughts of remarriage. Aware of Jarrod’s inclination for pettiness, she had long abandoned any aspirations of marriage.

Observing her swift acquiescence, Jarrod’s initial unease subsided slightly.

Nicole inquired, “Is there anything else?”

“There’s one more thing.” Jarrod hesitated briefly before uttering, “I want you to keep this baby.”

This statement hit Nicole like a bolt, leaving her speechless with her mouth agape in disbelief. After a prolonged moment of stunned silence, she looked up, her gaze distant, and faltered, “What… What are you…?”

Jarrod approached slowly, his eyes fixed on her abdomen. “I want you to keep this baby.”

“I… I’m not pregnant,” Nicole struggled to articulate, feeling as though her heart was being constricted.

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