Nicole, holding Jamie, spoke clearly to Jarrod.

"I want the contract, the original, and all the footage. Hand them over!"

Jarrod's face was an icy mask, his expression unyielding. He hadn't anticipated that Nicole, even with an injured hand, would dare such an act.

He realized he had miscalculated, underestimating Nicole's resourcefulness. He should never have let his guard down, not even for a moment.

“Nicole, this is the last time I'm telling you. Let Jamie go!”

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 Jarrod's anger stemmed from the fact that Jamie was held hostage, the very person Jarrod valued above all others.

Nicole wouldn't have dared, knowing the backlash it would cause, but she was desperate.

She couldn't let her father remain vulnerable to Jarrod's whims, risking imprisonment at his displeasure.

Nicole knew her father wouldn't 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 Jamie's neck, Nicole faced Jarrod defiantly.

“Jarrod, you have twenty minutes. If I don't see the contract and the documents, I'll do it," she stated calmly.

This was the deadline she set for herself. In her weakened state, she couldn't prolong this standoff. She had to act quickly.

Jarrod's eyes darkened with anger.

"Nicole, you're courting death!" he said, each word laced with a chilling intensity.