As expected, Derek followed the sound, chuckling loudly. “I'm coming to get you..."

She then heard Derek's footsteps moving toward the stone.

The nanny had gifted Nicole the bracelet, saying it was Austin's favorite and meant to keep her safe. In this critical moment, the bracelet indeed proved its value.

Having diverted Derek with the bracelet, Nicole hoped he would search in the wrong direction, buying her some time.

Once she was sure Derek had pursued the stone, Nicole leaned on a tree to stand and then limped toward the forest's edge. Had she been in the open with no cover, Derek's superior physical strength would have easily overpowered her. That was why she opted for the challenging terrain of the forest.

But now, some time had passed, and Nicole hoped a rescue team might be outside since she had managed to alert Raegan earlier. She trusted that Raegan would not just stand by and must have sent help. If she was fortunate, she might encounter the rescue team as she made her way out.

Relying on her memory, Nicole navigated toward the exit.

Suddenly, she heard Derek's angry shout. “Damn it, where are you hiding, thinking you can trick me? When I catch you, I'll ruin your face!"

Spurred by Derek's furious voice, Nicole dared not pause and hastened her steps toward the exit.

As she neared the clearing, Nicole's face broke into a relieved smile, and she rushed forward.

However, her relief turned to dismay once she was fully out. She'd taken the wrong turn. It was a downhill slope, and not only was their car missing, but there was no sign of help anywhere. It was clear she had chosen the wrong path.

Just as Nicole felt hopeless, a creepy laugh echoed from behind her.

“Hatha. I've finally caught up to you." Derek also emerged from the forest.

In the open area with no place to hide, Nicole had no option but to descend the slope. But her shaky legs slowed her down.

She had only taken a few steps when Derek violently grabbed her hair, cursing, "Damn it, still trying to escape!"

He then hurled her forcefully to the ground.

"Crack!" Nicole felt as though her knee had shattered.

"You bitch, you did that on purpose to my hand, didn't you?" Even with his hand wrapped in cloth, Derek's movements were still awkward.

Furious, Nicole snapped, “I tried to help you, and this is how you treat me? Aren't you afraid of karma?"

“Karma? Oh, come on. I've committed plenty of wrongs, and if karma was to strike me, it would have done so by now. But look, I'm still here, alive and kicking..." His voice trailed off as a sudden flash of lightning cut across the sky.