Nicole scoffed. "Do you really think I'm as ignorant of the law as you? I'm not stupid to risk my future just to harm him."

What happened Last night was not intentional. It was Jarrod who pressed her under the water first. She only fought back to defend herself. How could she have known he was so frail that he'd pass out in the bathtub and almost died?

Alec only came back to get Jarrod's medicine. He was in a hurry and didn't wish to engage further with Nicole. He said coldly, "If you care for him, visit him in the hospital. He hasn't woken up yet."

Nicole's brow was furrowed as she said, “If he hasn't woken up, why should I go and visit? I need to be back at the office today. Jarrod had granted me so."

Alec snorted and replied, "Do as you please.”

Alec knew Nicole didn't care for Jarrod. It wasn't his first time witnessing her indifference. Having her around only led to problems.

However, since Jarrod had instructed not to harm her, Alec felt his hands were tied.

Nicole turned away, feeling her heart race. She had expected Jarrod to throw a wrench in her plans, but luck was on her side. With Jarrod hospitalized and Alec distracted, she had the upper hand.

Today, Nicole left the estate with just a driver to take her.

The usual security team was mostly at the hospital, leaving the estate with just four guards. Thus, she left without anyone tailing her.

Suppressing her emotions, Nicole observed as the car slowly departed from the villa.

In the rearview mirror, the white "prison" dwindled into the distance until it disappeared altogether.

Nicole looked away determinedly. She vowed not to come back to that place.

Before exiting the car, Nicole said to the driver, "There's no need to wait for me today. I'll pay a visit to Mr. Schultz at the hospital later."

The driver nodded and left.

Nicole spent her afternoon at the office and then went on her own to the underground parking lot. She got into an unremarkable black sedan.

Moments later, she emerged in a black leather outfit, donning a black helmet, and straddled a matching motorcycle.

With a slight lean, she sped off. She arrived at a swanky club and parked the motorcycle in its garage.

Nicole followed a route she had carefully chosen and took a private lift to go up. She picked this club to meet Mr. Hampton for their deal because its public setting meant he wouldn't dare kidnapping her in plain sight.

When she got to the VIP room, two guards in black suits tried to search her.