Hearing this, Jarrod's expression shifted.

He had indeed destroyed a copy of the contract but had kept the original secure. How had this happened?

He wanted to express sympathy for Nicole's loss and clarify that he hadn't used the contract against Wesson.

But he remained silent, realizing the leak of the contract had originated from his end, and therefore, he was partly the reason for Wesson's suicide.

Nicole, her eyes red and voice quivering, continued, "I suffered in detention because of that contract. I even lost our baby. What more do you want? Jarrod, you've done the paternity test. You know it was your child. Isn't that enough for you?"

Jarrod felt a pang of guilt at the mention of the baby. Indeed, it was enough.

The loss of their child was the reason why he longed for another with Nicole.

“You're intent on ruining me and my family, aren't you?" Nicole wept.

Jarrod, visibly shaken, managed to say, "No, that's not..."

Nicole's anguished cry interrupted him. “Why... Why couldn't you spare my father? Why..."

Despair overwhelmed Nicole. She had strived to save her father, yet Jarrod's actions were merciless.

In her agony, Nicole clenched her chest, striking it in an attempt to ease her pain in vain. Her heart ached. She felt as if she were in an icy abyss, the coldness seeping into her bones.

The crowd had dispersed, leaving the building's entrance eerily silent.

Only the rain and Nicole's despairing sobs filled the air, unsettling Jarrod deeply.

"Nicole..." Jarrod whispered, fearing his voice might startle her further.

In her vulnerability, Nicole's eyes were a mix of red and gray. Red with bloodshed, gray with the loss of all hope.

Jarrod gazed at her, his heart heavy with sorrow.

"I didn't give the contract to anyone. I'm as confused as you are.

But I promise to investigate and explain everything, okay?"

Nicole's response was a bitter, hollow laugh. "An explanation? Jarrod, I won't believe in you anymore! Remember when Howe had me in detention? You said the same thing. But what happened? I underwent another inhuman torture and even witnessed my father's tragic end!"