While riding in the car, Nicole thought hard but couldnât make sense of Jarrodâs last words.
He said she knew how to win back his trust.
But how? She was clueless.
What should her next steps be? Knowing Jarrodâs vengeful character, he would likely target those close to her to make her suffer.
After Roscoe, who would be next? Ethel or Jemma? Or might he move her mother and Austin away, keeping them out of her reach?
Come to think of it, Nicole realized Jarrod had numerous ways to threaten her, and she was powerless to fight them.
Nicole buried her face in her hands, now damp with tears, struggling to understand what Jarrod really meant.
He wanted her to figure out a way to earn back his trust⦠When had he truly trusted her? They had a complicated history.
Jarrod had trusted her the most back when she was just a naive college student.
At that time, Nicole loved Jarrod without conditions, clueless about his tricks and schemes, just falling for him innocently.
Back then, he trusted her effortlessly, knowing she was innocent and wouldnât suspect him or doubt him.
But now, after all the hurt and distrust, only suspicion and defensiveness remained.
Was his condition that she must love him again? He must know that was impossible.
Her feelings for him had long faded.
Back at the villa, Nicole was isolated, cut off from the outside world and even from seeing Austin.
She grew anxious, pondering over Austinâs whereabouts if he wasnât in the villa.
Where had Jarrod taken Austin?
Half a month went by, and Nicole still hadnât seen Austin.
When she asked the servants, they feigned ignorance.
She attempted to reach Jarrod, but he didnât reply.
Out of desperation, Nicole took a chance when the servants were distracted and climbed out the balcony window to escape.
However, she lost her balance and fell, getting caught in the act.
The servants brought Nicole back to the villa and summoned a doctor for her injuries.
After this incident, Nicole was kept under even tighter surveillance.
The butler had workers seal all the windows right before her eyes.
The villa was locked down so thoroughly that not even a fly could enter.
âs BunnyBookery After several days of recovery, Nicole finally saw Jarrod again, who showed up late at night.
Jarrod stood quietly by her bedside.
Nicole opened her eyes and was startled by his cold, handsome face.
âAhâ¦â She let out a small scream.
When she realized it was him, she froze and then urgently asked, âJarrod, where is Austin? What have you done with him?â
âYou will never see him again,â Jarrod responded.
Nicoleâs body tensed up.
After a few seconds, she lunged at Jarrod, scratching and biting him.
âWhat did you do to him? Heâs just a kid! What have you done to him?â
Jarrod stood still, seemingly unaffected by her attacks.
Seeing her frantic state, his mocking smile widened.
âWhat do you think I did? How evil do you think I am?â
Nicole didnât want to believe it, but she knew Jarrod was capable of anything when angry.
Jarrod sneered, âCalm down.
Heâs okay.
Iâm just helping him get used to life without you.
â
Nicole was shocked.
After a moment, she said, âGet used to life without me? You want to take Austin away from me?â
âDidnât you want to escape?â Jarrodâs cold laugh filled the room.