Jarrod seemed unaffected by her challenge. He stooped, took the piece of porcelain from her hand, and, pulling out a handkerchief, he gently wrapped her injury.

“Nicole, how long has it been?" Jarrod sighed, caressed her hair with a semblance of pity, and said, "You still haven't learned, have you? Well, this time, I'll make sure you do."

With those words, Jarrod got up and moved indifferently toward the door, ready to leave.

But Nicole could not, and would not, let him leave through that door.

If he left, it would spell disaster for Roscoe. That simply could not happen. It was out of the question!

Nicole lunged at Jarrod once more, grabbing desperately at his legs, shaking as she pleaded, “Jarrod, I'll do as you say. From now on, I'll always obey... I won't even think of defying you again. Please... Just vent your anger on me. Please don't do this to him... I can't bear to owe him any more... I really can't..."

Nicole knelt on the floor, tears streaming down her face, her voice filled with a low, earnest plea.

Seeing Nicole fully yield, Jarrod experienced no pleasure. He was not a kind man, nor was he compassionate.

His tough experiences overseas had convinced him that those in power must never show weakness. Showing mercy could eventually lead to his downfall.

Nicole and Roscoe had plotted against him, and they needed to be taught a lesson. Yet, his intention was not to see Roscoe dead.

After all, the dead linger in memory longer than the living. He didn't want Nicole to carry the memory of Roscoe for the rest of her life.

"Nicole, you should understand..." Jarrod crouched once again, his voice unusually soft. "I don't really wish to punish you, but you never seem to learn. If I don't make this memorable, you'll take risks again, and my patience is wearing thin."

"It won't happen again. I promise I won't..." Nicole gripped his arm, her eyes watery and red as she pleaded with bitterness.

Jarrod was familiar with her assertive, resolute nature. Her current vulnerable state, paired with her beautiful and appealing face, was truly pitiful.

Nicole's eyes, pure and crystal clear, seemed particularly captivating when filled with tears.

Jarrod knew he needed to teach Nicole a lesson strong enough to quench any future rebellious thoughts.

Yet, at that moment, he felt an overwhelming desire just for her.

Jarrod was not one to deny his own urges. It had been five years since he had been intimate with a woman, and now, he found himself losing control.

Jarrod reached out, took hold of her chin, and pressed his Lips to hers in a deep kiss.

Caught off guard, Nicole's eyes widened before she began to struggle with all her might.