Roscoe looked at her and said in a resolute tone, "Nicole, give me some time. I'll grow up." He pledged to evolve into the partner Nicole needed, someone capable of protecting her.

Before Nicole could offer a response, a frigid voice sliced through the air. "What are you talking about?"

Jarrod's icy face came into view. He was clad in a suit as cold as his demeanor. His penetrating gaze locked onto Nicole and Roscoe, harboring a hint of danger.

With a shudder, Nicole clenched her fists.

Roscoe, on the other hand, remained calm and composed. "Nothing important."

"Okay," Jarrod responded impassively, his features betraying no emotion. He moved closer, enveloping Nicole in a tight embrace, his arm encircling her shoulder.

Sensing Nicole trembling, Jarrod chuckled. “Your hand feels like ice.

Are you alright?"

His seemingly soothing tone only made Nicole tremble more violently.

Jarrod had an impeccable demeanor and charm, which could easily mislead others into perceiving him as gentle and easygoing.

Nicole felt disgusted by his touch.

However, Jarrod's grip tightened, and his chilly lips grazed her forehead as he murmured, “Are you coming down with something?"

A chill coursed through Nicole's veins. Every cell in her body was resisting Jarrod. She felt sick. He was going too far! "Let go of me!" she ground out through clenched teeth, her voice a mere whisper against his ear.

Jarrod didn't seem to hear what she said. He curled his lips as he pulled her closer.

To a third person, they seemed to be engrossed in a tender exchange.

Roscoe clenched his fists. His handsome features darkened with fury, and his once-clear eyes were now ablaze with anger.

Spotting Roscoe, Doreen said briskly, "Ah, here you are!"

Drawing closer, Doreen casually linked her arm with Roscoe's, as though they were already an item. Pouting, she said, “I've been searching everywhere for you."

Roscoe remained unresponsive, seemingly oblivious to Doreen's presence.

His focus remained fixed on the pair before him.