Jarrod stood, slipping on his coat, his silhouette like a demon coming to life.

Nicole hurried to him, grasping his hand. "Jarrod, you can't break our agreement!"

His eyes, dark and unfathomable, replied coldly, "Didn't you want it to be over and done with?"

Nicole, her lips pressed tightly, grasped his intent. With a mix of anger and sarcasm, she shot back, “Jarrod... Aren't you satisfied with Jamie? Or have you developed a taste for me?"

Jarrod raised an eyebrow. "You think too highly of yourself."

Nicole retorted, fueled by his provocation, "You're the one who's given me this confidence."

In defiance, she ran her fingers over his abs, taunting him, “Mr. Schultz, is this what you're after?"

Her actions and words were a bold challenge to his pride.

She sneered, "What difference does it make? Once sleeping with you, ten times makes no difference to me."

Nicole's words struck Jarrod like a slap to the face.

If he still reacted, it meant he didn't care about his pride.

Nicole knew Jarrod valued his dignity, making her provocation a gamble.

True to form, Jarrod's expression shifted dramatically.

Nicole braced for him to storm out, but instead, he scrutinized her, noticing the defiance in her eyes.

He quickly deciphered her motive. She provoked him into breaching their agreement first.

He lifted her chin, his smile cold. “Why bother to do it anyway?

We're cut from the same cloth."

Nicole recoiled from his touch, feeling a chill.

"Since you said so, then you are..." Jarrod drew Nicole in, leaving her breathless, his voice rough as he finished, "Quite something."

His voice was not loud, but the tone was so mean.