Chapter 1674:

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“Understood,” the bodyguard replied.

It was clear that someone had left the dead animal as a warning to Nicole. The innocent creature had tragically fallen victim to senseless cruelty, and the perpetrator’s actions were truly despicable.

Upon learning of the incident, Jarrod was quick to arrive at Nicole’s residence. His countenance was solemn, his words direct. “Prepare to relocate. You’re going back to the villa.”

It was not a request. It was an order. The neighborhood exuded an unmistakable sense of danger. The presence of a threatening message left on Nicole’s door suggested that mere intimidation was not the intent. It appeared that the individual intended to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the bodyguards and convey that a robbery was inevitable.

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Lost in thought, Nicole remained silent. Decisively, Jarrod took her hand and said firmly, “Go back to the villa. Austin is waiting for you.” Nicole found herself without the option to refuse; her current home was no longer safe.

Nicole gathered her belongings and returned to Jarrod’s villa. Jarrod also arranged support for her business, allowing her to manage affairs from the villa. The villa hosted Nicole’s prenatal visits, with doctors coming to her.

Protected by Jarrod’s strict security measures, Nicole found peace of mind at the villa. Her health improved markedly and she glowed with vitality. Soon after, the team Jarrod had ordered arrived and brought Dora to the villa, enriching Nicole’s support system. Dora, though quiet and serene, filled Nicole with calm. With her family nearby, Nicole’s anxieties began to dissolve.

Ethel kept Nicole informed of the investigations into Jamie and Brett, but unfortunately there were no new developments. The perpetrator remained elusive. Doubts crept into the minds of the profilers at the police station, questioning their own assessments and pondering whether the perpetrator had ceased his criminal activities.

Nicole recognized the futility of rushing. Her priority was for her son to be born safe and sound. Pursuing her father’s unsolved case in her state would only complicate matters. She clung to her confidence that the police would eventually solve the case.

As the months passed, by December Nicole was in the last trimester of her pregnancy, and her due date was approaching in January. Despite her advanced pregnancy, she was still agile. On the anniversary of her father’s passing, Nicole felt a strong urge to go out. Jarrod adjusted his plans to be with her for the entire day.

At first, Nicole and Jarrod opted not to include Austin and Dora in their plans because of the potential risks and Dora’s condition. Dora was managing well aside from her memory problems and inability to speak. Nicole viewed Dora’s condition as a mercy, fearing that full consciousness could lead Dora to despair over the loss of Wesson, potentially after Wesson’s death. Therefore, he preferred to keep Dora somewhat shielded from reality.

That day, however, Dora seemed unusually restless. As Nicole was about to leave, Dora demanded to accompany her, showing unusual excitement. Nicole reluctantly agreed.

At the cemetery, flowers and offerings were placed by Wesson’s grave. Jarrod paid his respects in silence. Nicole, touching the photograph on the headstone, whispered, “Dad, I promise to find the killer. Justice will be done. Don’t worry about Mom. She’s in good hands and she’s doing well.”

In a poignant moment, Dora reached out, caressing Wesson’s photograph, and shed a tear. Nicole hugged Dora, weeping as Dora offered awkward but heartfelt comfort.

After the ceremony, they returned to the car. During the drive, Dora became agitated again. Nicole, now attentive to her mother’s needs, realized that Dora needed to go to the bathroom.

“Jarrod, is there a bathroom nearby?” asked Nicole. After consulting the GPS, Jarrod directed them to a nearby mall, opting for the safety of such a busy place. Along with their bodyguards, Jarrod and Nicole escorted their mother to the restroom.

Jarrod escorted them to the restroom entrance, prompting Nicole to comment, “You don’t have to get so nervous. People stare.”

Jarrod, unperturbed and stern, merely said, “Your safety is paramount.”

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