The room was filled with shock at the unexpected turn.
Those men had been so engrossed in _ their performance, never anticipating such a dramatic turn of events.
Nicole's eyes, once sparkling, were now dim.
Facing Jarrod, her voice was cold.
"Jarrod, my father canceled my engagement with you, fearing I might not lead a good life with you.
Back then, I was mad at him and failed to understand his concerns.
We argued, and I even refused to eat.
But was his desire to protect me so unforgivable? Did your family be killed by my family? Why do you want us all dead? Is it just
because you believe I played with your feelings? Fine, if you are so set on revenge on me.
I'm ready to atone with my life.
Is that enough for you?” With resolve, Nicole moved the glass shard toward her neck.
Thud! Suddenly, the bottle was kicked against the wall! Nicole's less agile left hand was outpaced by Jarrod’s feet.
He kicked her hand, sending a jolt of pain through Nicole's wrist.
Nicole's last hope of death was taken away.
"All of you, get out!” Jarrod's voice thundered with fury.
Those men quickly complied, not daring to disobey.
Jarrod pinned Nicole's battered form against the wall.
"Even facing death, Nicole, you defy me? Haven't I said you need my permission to die?” Nicole's hands drooped, drained of
strength.
She couldn't raise them.
It was then she realized he had said she needed his permission to die.
She lacked even the freedom to control her own life and death.
A hauntingly beautiful smile appeared on Nicole's face.
"Jarrod, it doesn't matter if you say no.
My bod is failing.
You can unleash all the hatred you want.
I am dying." At that moment, Nicole longed for death.
Wouldn't it offer her freedom? Jarrod was livid at her words.
Dying! This again! Her repeated mention of dying was almost like etching that word on her forehead as a stark reminder to him.
believe she would die, but the word “dying” from her lips always unsettled him.
He convinced himself his unease was because he didn't want her to die too easily.
He had more vengeance to exact! Why did she think she could just die? Perhaps this was another ploy from her.
He wasn't falling for it, not one bit! Jarrod gripped her shoulder harder.
"Don’t try to trick me with this, Nicole.
Do you think I'm still the old Jarrod who would listen to you?" Nicole sneered.
"The Jarrod I knew is gone.
Now, all that is left is a demon." Nicole's laughter was hysterical, pain clenching her stomach.
Jarrod's irritation grew.
He tightened his hold on her waist, lifting her onto the coffee table.
His voice was icy.
"You still have the audacity to defy me!" Nicole, powerless, stared at him with loathing.
"Jarrod, you're nothing but a cruel beast!" Jarrod’s sneer was icy.
"Isn't this what you wanted? When I was unconscious, you were busily involved with other men, weren't you? I got to satisfy your
needs.” Nicole's words faltered, realizing arguing with him was futile.
Jarrod, now more demon than man, eyed Nicole's neck.
He leaned down, his tongue finding her pulsing artery, sucking on it ruthlessly.
Nicole gasped, her body shaking, tears streaming down her cheeks.
That was her artery, a vulnerable spot where a bit more force could be fatal.
Jarrod loomed over her, his whisper sinister.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you'll never want another man." His hand moved beneath, feeling her warmth.
In moments like this, he was reminded she was alive.
Nicole's hair was in disarray, her wet tears sticking to her lashes.
She felt like a helpless fish on a chopping block.
Just as their intimacy grew, a knock at the door broke the moment.
Jarrod’s response was cold.
"Leave!" Outside, Alec hesitated before speaking.
"Mr.
Schultz, Miss Powell is unwell.
She's asking for you.” Hearing Jamie's name brought Nicole a sense of relief.
Jarrod was about to continue, but his phone's persistent vibration interrupted him.
Nicole's respite was brief..Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Jarrod dressed, casually found a jacket for her, and took her with him.
They reached a villa Jarrod had bought for Jamie.
To their surprise, Jamie was at the entrance, visibly ill.
Jarrod ran to Jarrod, crying.
"Where have you been?" Jarrod stroked her hair tenderly, his gaze soft.
"I'm here now." Seeing Nicole in the car, Jamie's face hardened.
She was upset Nicole was unharmed and still pregnant.
Unhappily, she asked, "Jarrod, why is Nicole here?” Jarrod, his thoughts jumbled, simply nodded.
Jamie pressed, “Why did you bring her?” “You were sick, so I brought her to take care of you." Jarrod looked toward the car with
a cold expression.
“You can come out now." He didn't reveal his true intentions.
Secretly, he wished he could keep Nicole tethered to him.
Reluctantly, Nicole exited the car, aware of Jarrod’s twisted mindset.
Jarrod, ignoring her, embraced Jamie and headed for the elevator.
Nicole had no option but to trail behind.
Once inside, Jamie kissed Jarrod in front of Nicole.
After leaving the key, Jarrod left to shower, seemingly averse to the scent enveloping him.
Left in the living room were Jamie and Nicole.
Jamie arrogantly instructed Nicole, "Go and peel some fruit for me." Nicole dutifully went to the kitchen, fumbled with a fruit knife,
and began to peel.
She arranged the fruit on a plate and set it before Jamie in the living room.
But Jamie didn't eat.
Instead, she taunted Nicole.
"Didn't Jarrod bring you here to serve me? Where's your servitude? Shouldn't you kneel and feed mee" Nicole realized then why
Jarrod brought her along.
He was to make her receive humiliation at Jamie's hands.
But suddenly, an idea struck Nicole.
She grasped a fruit fork, knelt before Jamie, and offered a smile.
"Of course, let me feed you." As the fruit neared Jamie's lips, Nicole stood abruptly, locking her arm around Jamie's neck, the
fork poised at Jamie’s artery.
"Ah! Jarrod! Help!" Jamie's scream echoed, drawing Jarrod out, clad only in a towel.
Nicole, holding Jamie, spoke clearly to Jarrod.
"I want the contract, the original, and all the footage.
Hand them over!"