However, to gain this target's trust, she had to neutralize Jarrod.

Turning back, Nicole noticed Jarrod's gaze on her. Without showing any emotion, she opened the car door and got inside. "Do you plan to leave me after we eat? Let's hurry. I need to get some sleep," she stated.

Jarrod, not used to her compliance, gave a smile and leaned on the window without driving off.

"Are we going or not?" Nicole asked.

Jarrod fixed a cool stare on her. "Do you expect me to be your driver?"

Nicole, in a surprisingly compliant manner, moved from the back seat to the passenger seat.

Jarrod, considering lighting a cigarette, decided against it upon seeing Nicole beside him.

Right then, he answered a call from his assistant.

Jarrod simply replied, "OK."

Then, he ignited the engine.

He inquired nonchalantly, "Not at your job anymore?"

Nicole was startled yet somewhat anticipated his awareness. She admitted openly, "Yes, the constant travel was exhausting. Now I'm helping out at a relative's small business."

"Is your relative in the energy sector?"

Jarrod gave her a sidelong look and commented casually, "It's akin to what your family was involved in previously."

With her heart pounding wildly, Nicole pinched her hand hard to calm herself down. Then, with a hint of emotion, she murmured, “Yes, that's my area of expertise."

Jarrod, sensing her mood, didn't probe further. With a smile, he suggested, "How about some porridge? I know a place that serves excellent porridge."

Nicole wasn't sure if it was her imagination. But Jarrod seemed to deliberately slow down his last words. His intermittent smiles throughout their conversation left Nicole feeling uneasy.

Nicole told herself not to overthink and closed her eyes, avoiding his gaze.

Jarrod adjusted the rearview mirror and glanced at her. His smile had a hint of chilliness.

Before long, they arrived at a posh porridge restaurant.