How had the hearing finished so quickly? Nicole's discomfort intensified. She hadn't felt this disturbed since the day her father had leaped from a building.

“Miss..." The woman noticed Nicole, approached her with a warm greeting, and asked with concern, "How are you feeling now? Any better?"

"Much better."

“That's wonderful to hear," the woman responded. "You seem so much better now that the good news has come."

The woman joined her hands together, a habit she picked up from spending much time around the temple.

Still uneasy, Nicole asked, "Good news... What good news?"

"Oh, you haven't heard?" the woman said, her face lighting up with happiness. “New evidence has emerged. Someone had framed Mr. Schultz. He didn't even handle those contracts."

The woman clasped Nicole's cold hands, her voice filled with excitement. "Mr. Schultz has been cleared of all charges."

Nicole's body went rigid, her hands turned even colder. Cleared...

She had thought of many possible outcomes, even speculated about Jarrod's future after being released.

Considering Jarrod's wealth and the nature of his alleged crimes involving financial contracts, Nicole figured he might just pay a fine and serve a few years at most. But she never expected his release to happen so soon! It was too quick, beyond belief. In just a few days, Jarrod was free and untouched by the charges.

The woman, assuming Nicole shared her joy, smiled and said, “You're happy too, right? Would you like to meet Mr. Schultz? He's over there receiving congratulations from many people. Let me take you to him!"

The woman led the unresponsive, zombie-like Nicole through the crowd, oblivious to Nicole's daze.

The woman cheerfully introduced Nicole to Jarrod, "Mr. Schultz, here's a lovely lady who also wants to thank you."

Jarrod's gaze was calm and penetrating as he looked at Nicole, who appeared lifeless, and he offered a slight smile. “Oh? Thank me for what?"

Caught off guard by his question, the woman turned to Nicole and urged, "Miss, what would you like to thank Mr. Schultz for? Please, he's right here..."

The harsh white light illuminated Nicole's face, accentuating the blue veins beneath her pale skin. Her face was unnaturally pale, almost ghostly, which was alarming.

The woman's happy mood faded as she noticed Nicole's ghostly appearance. She grasped Nicole's hand and asked, "Miss, why are your hands still so cold? Should we get you to a hospital?"

Nicole felt utterly weak but told herself to stay composed. She could not afford to break down just as Jarrod had been freed.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Jarrod asked as he reached to take Nicole's hand from the woman, his voice softer than usual.