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.

The window was cracked but held together just enough for Nicole to force the remaining shards apart with her hands. As she did so, the glass sliced into her skin, causing her to bleed. Nonetheless, she pushed on, pulling herself free from the car.

She scanned her surroundings. Quite the isolation. There was no one nearby, no passing cars, and with her phone destroyed in the crash, she couldn't call for help.

Turning her attention to a nearby noise, Nicole noticed Derek's car crumpled against a tree, smoke rising from its engine.

The faint sound of music and a blinking light suggested Derek's phone was active inside. Her heart racing, Nicole limped toward it.

Inside, Derek lay unconscious, his phone within sight but just out of reach on the passenger seat.

She stretched and twisted, finally grasping the device.

But as she prepared to use Derek's phone, a drop of something wet hit her hand, unsettling her. More drops followed, prompting her to recoil and turn back.

To her horror, Derek, bloody and weak, was reaching for Nicole, barely able to whisper. “Save me... Save me..."

Only then did Nicole notice Derek's other hand was pinned under the steering wheel, severely injured. The pain appeared intense. He struggled to breathe, likely having broken several ribs.

Immobilized, Derek could only depend on Nicole for help.

"Miss, save me... Please..." Derek's plea was filled with desperation.

Nicole eyed him warily, recalling his recent attempt to harm her. Her trust waned. She was more interested in securing Derek's phone to uncover any incriminating evidence than in his welfare. Now, he was of no use to her.

Sensing her reluctance, Derek implored, “Miss, I'm useful. The person behind this is too powerful. My phone alone won't suffice. I can testify and provide evidence that I was coerced into tampering with the samples. Isn't that what you need?"

His words struck a chord in Nicole. Jarrod's influence was indeed formidable, and having Derek as a witness could prove invaluable.

Realizing the potential, Derek pressed on, “Look at my condition. I'm hardly a threat now. You're safe with me. I just want to survive..."