Chapter 1640:

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Unknown to her, Conor had sent the bodyguards away to create this very opportunity for Jarrod.

Finding herself with no other option, Nicole knocked on the door, ready to hand over the congee.

A deep voice from inside commanded, “Come in.”

Nicole opened the door and entered. Jarrod was engrossed in the report he was holding, unaware of Nicole’s presence. Assuming it was Conor, he said without looking up, “Just leave it there.”

Nicole observed a table loaded with untouched food and then glanced at the congee in her hand. It seemed Jarrod had a sudden craving for congee. The shop seemed familiar to her, reminiscent of one she often visited.

Without overthinking, Nicole placed the congee down, and noticing that Jarrod still hadn’t recognized her, she started to leave. Just then, Jarrod glanced up and uncertainly called out, “Nicole?”

Nicole paused and turned back to him, explaining, “Conor wasn’t feeling well, so he asked me to bring this over.”

Jarrod paused, then said, “I thought you were here to see me.” His voice carried a hint of complaint.

Nicole was at a loss for words. Since she was already there, she felt forced to say something, “Why aren’t you eating? If you don’t eat, your recovery will be even slower. Austin is really concerned about you and keeps asking when you will come home.”

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Nicole was being honest; Austin seemed to hold Jarrod in high regard. During her visits, she had heard Austin ask about Jarrod twice. Austin usually kept to himself and rarely showed interest in others.

Jarrod responded, “My wound is painful. I lost my appetite.” He sounded really upset.

Nicole, not convinced, said, “Doreen is your family. You took the hit, saving her from worse punishment.”

Nicole spoke the truth. Without Jarrod’s support, Doreen would never have dared to act so recklessly. Jarrod deserved the punishment.

Jarrod said, “Yes, I spoiled them too much. I won’t interfere in their affairs anymore.”

Nicole wasn’t there to hear his justifications. They really didn’t have much to discuss. She said, “You should eat the congee and get some rest. I’m leaving now.”

Right as she was about to leave, Jarrod began to cough violently, the harsh sounds worsening his back injury and leaving him looking particularly tortured.

Unable to just walk away, Nicole poured him a glass of water and offered, “Drink this.”

Jarrod looked at the glass, realizing Nicole did have a soft side around him.

Noticing his flushed face from the coughing, Nicole figured he was still struggling for air and said, “Have some water first.”

Jarrod accepted the glass and drank the water. The water indeed helped him feel better.

After he put the cup down, Nicole said, “Go ahead and eat. I’m heading out now.”

Jarrod maintained a poker face and remained silent, and Nicole turned and headed for the door without waiting for his response.

Just as she was about to leave, a loud “thud” sounded from behind her. Jarrod had tumbled off the bed.

Nicole turned around to see his tall figure lying on the floor, his complexion pale and looking very weak. She rushed to his side, asking, “Can you stand?”

Nicole was puzzled by how suddenly weak Jarrod had become. He seemed fine just moments before. How had he managed to fall from the bed?

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