The smoking car posed a looming threat, its potential explosion imminent, trapping Derek in a precarious situation.

“Miss, please," Derek implored, his desperation palpable. "I have a two-year-old daughter. She's just starting to speak, calling me 'dad.' I can't leave her behind-"

Understanding Nicole's motive, Derek realized she fought for custody because she cared for her own child. He was betting on Nicole getting softhearted when he mentioned his daughter.

In truth, Derek harbored no affection for his daughter nor any desire to take his wife and his incessantly crying daughter to leave with him.

Lacking parental experience, Derek remained indolent and self-centered, devoid of any sentimental connection to his daughter.