Determination filled his eyes. He would not allow Nicole to pose threats to Jarrod.

Nicole's car was struck by Derek's silver sedan and flipped over.

Fortunately, it landed in a muddy ditch where the soft earth cushioned the impact, and the timely deployment of the airbag prevented more severe injuries.

Momentarily stunned, Nicole soon felt an overwhelming pain in her back as if her spine had shattered.

She grimaced, struggling with the safety belt, and then dragged herself from the wreckage.