Jarrodâs face was an icy mask, his expression unyielding.
He hadnât anticipated that Nicole, even with an injured hand, would dare such an act.
He realized he had miscalculated, underestimating Nicoleâs resourcefulness.
He should never have let his guard down, not even for a moment.
âNicole, this is the last time Iâm telling you.
Let Jamie go!â
Jarrod demanded.
His intense gaze fixed on Nicole, his eyes sharp and accusing as if trying to penetrate her very soul.
Anyone would feel intimidated by such a look, including Nicole.
Nicole had seen Jarrod angry before, but today his fury was exceptional, almost palpable, as if he could lash out at her any second.
Nicole thought Jarrodâs anger stemmed from the fact that Jamie was held hostage, the very person Jarrod valued above all others.
Nicole wouldnât have dared, knowing the backlash it would cause, but she was desperate.
She couldnât let her father remain vulnerable to Jarrodâs whims, risking imprisonment at his displeasure.
Nicole knew her father wouldnât survive long in jail, especially in his declining health.
She might never see him again if he were incarcerated.
Thus, she decided to take a risk.
Holding the fork against Jamieâs neck, Nicole faced Jarrod defiantly.
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âJarrod, you have twenty minutes.
If I donât see the contract and the documents, Iâll do it,â she stated calmly.
This was the deadline she set for herself.
In her weakened state, she couldnât prolong this standoff.
She had to act quickly.
Jarrodâs eyes darkened with anger.
âNicole, youâre courting death!â he said, each word laced with a chilling intensity.
His voice, colder than the deepest freeze, made listeners shiver.
Nicole remained unfazed.
She glanced at the wall clock and said âMr.
Schultz, you have nineteen minutes and thirty secondsâ
Bang! Jarrodâs hand, charged with anger, swept a valuable vase off its perch.
The vase crashed to the floor, shattering into countless pieces.
His face twisted in fury, he gritted his teeth and warned, âNicole, have you considered the consequences?â
âI have, but what other choice do I have?â Nicoleâs expression didnât waver.
For her, it was a choice between a dire situation and an even worse one.