This time, Jarrod seemed intent on leaving no one alive.

Determined, Nicole understood that begging would only provoke Jarrod to be more ruthless. She turned to him, intentionally adopting a calm expression to counter his evil intentions. Wasn't he just waiting to see her distressed and suffering, to justify his abusive actions? She would not let him have it his way!

Nicole said coldly, "That's none of your business."

To Jarrod, her response almost confirmed her closeness with Roscoe.

He gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with fury. "Did you enjoy betraying me?"

Nicole laughed. “Jarrod, I've decided to marry him. My relationship with him is legitimate, not a betrayal."

Jarrod was left momentarily speechless, consumed by rage. After a brief pause, he exploded, "Nicole, what about your heart? I've been kind to you and made every compromise for you, and this is how you repay me, by planning to marry him?"

"Why shouldn't I?" Nicole shot back coldly. "Your kindness? Do you mean ignoring my feelings, forcing your way with me in his presence, making me a woman who can no longer face society? Is that your idea of a compromise? Jarrod, such ‘kindness’ are outrageous, and frankly, they're unbearable."

Jarrod was furious yet unreflective of his own actions. In his view, Nicole was his to control. She had no right to betray or leave him.

He sneered, “If you had been obedient, I wouldn't have had to act that way. What else have you done besides defy me?"

"Obedient? Ha!" Nicole burst out in mocking laughter.

"Am I some pet you've trained, Jarrod? Why should I be submissive to you?) If you were seeking a compliant woman, that wouldn't be difficult to find. You just haven't conquered me. Once I gave in, you'd find me dull and unremarkable. In the end, it's always my fault. You excel at making excuses and are, frankly, despicable!"

Nicole spoke with intensity.

Jarrod's face turned even more somber. He smirked and questioned, "I'm despicable, and he isn't?"

“He respects me, protects me, treats me kindly, and would never hurt me. He is the finest man alive. In our relationship, I'm the one unworthy of him. He's so genuine, and I'm so flawed," Nicole expressed this with a slight smile. She and Roscoe had decided to overcome the obstacles together. Jarrod was merely another obstacle they would surpass.

Determined, she announced, “In my heart, Roscoe is already my husband. If he dies, I will join him. We'll wait together in heaven, watching your downfall."

Her words deeply enraged Jarrod. He pushed her against the railing, holding her tightly, and yelled, “You think you'll die together? What a fantasy!"

Nicole chuckled amidst her tears, resigned to whatever came her way.

Luckily, she had set aside sufficient funds for Austin. Once she was gone, the lawyer she trusted would find the nanny on her behalf to await a donor for Austin. She had also left behind years of salary and various insurance policies for the nanny. She had _ prepared thoroughly.

Nicole had seen through it. Roscoe was too stubborn. He couldn't bear to let her go. Rather than him dying for her, they might as well leave this world together.