Chapter 1601:

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Then she asked, "Why did you call me?"

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

Nicole's face brightened with happiness, but was quickly darkened by concern. “What do you expect in return?” she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Jarrod was not known for his generosity, especially when it came to matters involving his son.

Although Rhett had mentioned that he would talk to Jarrod, Nicole was skeptical that Jarrod could be so easily persuaded. It seemed highly unlikely that Jarrod would commit just because of an argument.

Noticing the wariness in Nicole’s eyes, Jarrod smiled knowingly. “There are conditions.”

Nicole giggled. She knew it. She wasn't sure she could meet Jarrod's demands. While she was willing to do anything for Austin, she couldn't compromise if it required sacrifices from others. As a mother, her willingness to sacrifice was limitless, but she couldn't expect the same from others for the sake of her son. “Tell me,” Nicole said.

Jarrod replied, “I want to say in planning our son’s future.” I have envisioned Austin continuing the Schultz legacy. Once Austin's health improved, Jarrod had no intention of raising a soft child. I have planned to raise Austin rigorously.

Nicole was surprised that Jarrod's request was relatively simple. It seemed like Jarrod was thinking about grooming Austin to take on his role. This was an area where Jarrod deserved some influence. Although Nicole would prefer Austin to follow her own dreams, she recognized Jarrod's offer as a compromise and didn't want to cause friction.

"Okay, you can have a say in his future plans," Nicole agreed.

"And the child must bear my last name, Schultz," Jarrod said.

Compared to the prospect of being separated from her son, the idea of ​​Austin taking Jarrod's name wasn't hard for Nicole to accept. At least it indicated that Jarrod recognized Austin's importance in his life.

“Okay.” Nicole wasn't interested in discussing these points. His main goal was to meet with Austin as soon as possible.

"And you can't remarry," Jarrod declared as another condition.

This condition served as a test for Nicole. Jarrod was not without his faults. For him, allowing Nicole to visit his son was a major concession on his part. If Nicole thought of remarrying, Jarrod would not hesitate to cut off contact with his son. He absolutely refused to have another man raise his son. And there was one more thing…

Jarrod frowned thoughtfully.

Nicole hadn't expected Jarrod to make such a demand, and was momentarily stunned. However, she quickly replied, "Fine, I agree."

Nicole had never thought of remarrying. Aware of Jarrod's penchant for pettiness, she had long since abandoned any aspirations of marriage.

Seeing her quick acquiescence, Jarrod's initial unease eased slightly.

Nicole asked, “Is there anything else?”

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

This statement struck Nicole like a bolt of lightning, leaving her speechless and her mouth hanging open in disbelief. After a long moment of 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 say, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed.

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