Suddenly, he scooped her up effortlessly. He was startled by her lightness. She felt no heavier than a child.

Nicole, unsure of his intentions, panicked.

“Jarrod, where are you taking me? Let me go! I've given up on my company. You have no right to do this to me!"

Undeterred, Jarrod carried her to his car and placed her inside.

“No right?"

Jarrod's laughter was cold as he tossed a stack of documents at Nicole's face.

"Read this, then tell me about my rights!"

The papers hit Nicole's face, stinging her. She picked one up, her Limited legal knowledge enough to spot the glaring loopholes in the Lawrence Group project detailed in the document.

Her hands shook as she flipped through each page, stopping only when she saw her father's signature and the company's official seal on the last page.

She trembled, disbelief coursing through her.

Jarrod watched her reaction, his voice icy.

“See? Your father's actions could land him in jail."

Nicole's voice quivered.

"This is a forgery! My father would never sign this."

Jarrod's chuckle was bitter.

"Forgery? We have audio and video evidence. Your father signed it himself, while sick in bed. His trusted aide, Brett, handed it to him, promising it would secure your position as heiress."

Nicole was in disbelief.

"You bribed Brett?"

Brett had worked for her father for decades, always trustworthy.

Jarrod scoffed.