If Wesson hadn't died, they wouldn't be such bitter enemies now. If it had only dawned on him earlier that his love for Nicole was greater than his hatred, perhaps their relationship could have been salvaged. Unfortunately, it was too late now.

Nicole laughed humorlessly and remarked, "You want to pin the blame on Jamie, don't you?"

Jarrod didn't reply, but his eyes said everything he wanted to.

“If it weren't for you, would Jamie hate me so intensely? Would the thought of harming my father even cross her mind?" Tears dripped down Nicole's face as she laughed while recalling the past, her heart clenching painfully.

“Jarrod, this is karma. Meeting you was the biggest mistake of my life!" Nicole declared.

Jarrod finally understood. There was no way for them to reach a consensus, no chance to reconcile. Nicole only desired his miserable end.

At that moment, the door was thrown open with a loud bang.

Alec rushed in, looking panic-stricken. "Mr. Schultz, several police officers have arrived downstairs."

Jarrod peered at Nicole with intense eyes.

Nicole grinned. “Jarrod, did you really think I'd fall for such an obvious trap?"

Nicole had left the documents at home, arranged for someone to pick them up later, and sent them to the police. Meanwhile, she carried an encrypted file envelope as a decoy, leading Alec to capture her.

Hearing this, Alec ripped open the file envelope on the table, finding it empty. Enraged, he grabbed Nicole, pinning her down and restraining her hands. "You dare deceive me, you wretch!" His knee pressed down firmly, his expression fierce.

Having survived through cunning and force alongside Jarrod for years, Alec had hidden his true self under suits and ties. But deep down, he was still the ruthless enforcer who inspired fear.

With his knee pressing down, making it hard for Nicole to breathe, Alec threatened, “You've got some nerve, setting Mr. Schultz up. I'll end you right now!"

Nicole, unable to move and struggling to breathe, refused to plead for mercy from such a person. To her, Alec was no different from Jarrod.

"Release her," Jarrod ordered icily.

Alec, upset, argued, "Mr. Schultz, this woman has caused you so much pain. Please, don't be soft on her again. She's heartless!"

Finally, Alec expressed his worries.

Jarrod had endured a harsh life for the past five years, punishing himself for his past actions. Alec had hoped Nicole's return would bring some improvement. But instead, she seemed determined to harm Jarrod, showing no mercy.

Alec's intense hatred for Nicole was evident. He wouldn't think twice about ending her life if Jarrod ordered it.