Instead, she headed to the community's temporary parking area and Slipped into an inconspicuous Volkswagen.

She opted to exit through the back door, but as she neared the gate, she noticed the security guards were not the usual ones. Their demeanor was too professional for the typically slack security staff.

The guards stood up sharply at Nicole's car.

Feeling a tremor in her hand, Nicole managed to keep the car steady.

Instead of driving straight out, she feigned confusion like a visitor searching for a parking spot.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, she saw one of the guards headed straight toward her car.

Nicole sped up, abruptly stopping the car at the next corner, and jumped out without even grabbing her Luggage.

Footsteps sounded closer and closer.

A chill ran down Nicole's spine. She should have known that Jarrod wouldn't trust her. Her recent confessions were a sham, designed to lower Jarrod's guard and test whether he trusted her.

The thought of being caught again filled Nicole with dread. She hadn't fully recovered from previous injuries. What new torments could Jarrod devise? Plus, Jarrod might locate Austin soon. With his suspicious nature, Jarrod would intensify the search for Austin.

Fear gripped Nicole like never before. With no chance to flee, she attempted to hide in the bushes. However, before she could conceal herself, a man grabbed her waist and yanked her back. She collided with a firm chest.

Nicole's heart raced, her whole body shaking as she prepared to defend herself.

Suddenly, the man covered her mouth, and a familiar voice whispered, “It's me."

Frozen, Nicole was swiftly pulled into the underbrush in the opposite direction.

They hit the ground, the man propping himself on his elbow above Nicole. Nicole looked up into his clear, piercing eyes.

Her eyes wide, Nicole was about to say something when the man pressed his hand against her Lips to silence her.

Just then, they overheard the walkie-talkie crackle. "Number one, any situation over there?"

The bodyguard with the code name number one peered into the bushes.

Nicole had considered for hiding and responded, "No situation. Likely just a neighbor heading home."

As the footsteps receded, the tension in the air eased.