Lowe demanded, "What the hell do you want?"

“I came here because you're willing to strike a deal with me,"

Nicole replied calmly. “I just want to retrieve what's mine and give you what's yours. It was supposed to be a straightforward trade, but you made it complicated."

Lowe, puzzled, asked, “Who are you exactly, and why are you after those documents?"

“People often ask a lot of questions when they're in danger," Nicole said with a mocking tone.

Lowe cursed again.

Nicole, not interested in small talk, made her point clear. “I'm short on time. Hand me those documents in half an hour, or else a very embarrassing video of yours will go public tonight."

"I'll hand them over. I will!" Lowe, realizing the gravity of his predicament, grimaced. "I didn't say I wouldn't hand them over. Just be cautious with that blade. If you end up stabbing me, you're not getting out of here in one piece!"

"Twenty-nine minutes and thirty-five seconds left." Nicole started counting down right then and there.

Lowe was at a loss for words. He thought she was crazy! He signaled his bodyguards with urgency. "Get those documents over!"

“As you wish, sir."

One bodyguard departed, while the other stayed, watching Nicole closely.

Nicole sensed Lowe was looking for a chance to turn the tables. She ordered, "He needs to leave, too."

Trying to defuse the tension, Lowe jokingly raised his hand. "What's the matter? You scared?"

But Nicole quickly seized his hand, pushing him down with her knee on his neck, the dagger's tip dangerously close to his artery.

Lowe howled in pain, “Stop! It hurts..."

Nicole's expression was cold as she looked at the bodyguard.

“Thinking of trying something?"

Lowe's attempt to communicate with his bodyguard ended in failure.

Neither the bodyguard nor Lowe dared to move.