His voice, colder than the deepest freeze, made listeners shiver.

Nicole remained unfazed. She glanced at the wall clock and said “Mr. Schultz, you have nineteen minutes and thirty seconds"

Bang! Jarrod's 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, "Nicole, have you considered the consequences?"

"I have, but what other choice do I have?" Nicole's expression didn't waver.

For her, it was a choice between a dire situation and an even worse one.

Seizing the opportunity to act seemed the only way to secure her family's future.

Jamie, caught in the middle, hadn't anticipated Nicole's audacity to use her as a bargaining chip against Jarrod.

This situation underscored the strained relationship between Nicole and Jarrod, forcing Nicole to take drastic actions.

At that moment, Jamie refused to be taken advantage of by Nicole. If Nicole's plan succeeded, how could she possibly assert control over Nicole later?

Jamie subtly shifted her wrist, contemplating if she could overpower Nicole in the latter's weakened state.

But as she attempted to move, a sharp pain at her neck stopped her.

“Hss..." Jamie let out a stifled groan, feeling something wet trickle down.

In the next second, a drop of blood hit the floor.

Nicole, pressing her finger against Jamie's vein, threatened, ‘Jamie, don't try anything, or I'll do it!"

Jamie's realization that the blood was hers heightened her panic.

"Ah! Help! Jarrod, save me! She's going to kill me!" Jamie's cries were filled with hysteria.

Jarrod's frown deepened at Jamie's terrified voice, his eyes growing colder.

Dealing with Nicole alone was manageable, but he couldn't jeopardize Jamie's safety.

Jarrod quickly made a call, his voice icy, "Bring the A7E8 contracts now."