Then, Nicole left in Alec's car.

As Alec's car and Jarrod's car passed, Jarrod's meaningful glance unsettled Nicole.

In that instant, Nicole felt a chill run through her.

Uncertain and anxious, she pondered Jarrod's next move.

Had it not for the medical experts Jarrod had introduced to her father, Nicole would have left this instant.

Taking out her phone, she texted someone, "I'll be ready in ten days.

Is everything set?"

“Everything's arranged," the receiver replied.

Relieved, Nicole deleted the messages.

She resolved not to engage in Jarrod's games, and planned to leave Ardlens with her parents.

Raegan had been grounded by Mitchel. She had been at home alone for five days, and Mitchel didn't show up since they met last time.

The maid, a familiar face, diligently brought meals to her room but was forbidden from engaging in conversation with Raegan.

Once, Raegan attempted to borrow a cell phone from the maid, but to her disappointment, the maid didn't possess one.

Raegan's days consisted of eating, sleeping, and watching TV, doing good for her condition.

During her confinement, Raegan scrutinized the windows, searching for an escape route, but the villa's design thwarted her plans.

On the evening of the fifth day, Mitchel returned.

Hearing the door, a flicker of excitement passed through Raegan and was quickly suppressed. The solitude had begun to affect her.

Mitchel entered with a calm demeanor.

Raegan yearned to speak but found herself at a loss for words.

Mitchel merely glanced at her before heading to the bathroom for a shower, leaving Raegan alone with the sound of running water.