Just when she thought she might draw her last breath, a loud "bang" echoed.

Derek, who had been pressing down on her, suddenly rolled down the slope.

The rain poured heavily, and the wind howled like thunder.

Nicole noticed a man with short hair standing in the rain. He squinted through the downpour and said dismissively, "You can't even deal with a piece of trash, and you think you can challenge me?"

Jarrod's tone was cold and scornful. In his eyes, Nicole was like a tiny ant now. No matter how hard she fought, it seemed pointless.

At the sight of him, a wave of relief swept over Nicole. Now, at least, Derek couldn't hurt her anymore. Maybe in the past, Jarrod could have, but she believed he wouldn't do that now. For reasons unknown, he wouldn't.

But Nicole wasn't interested in exploring Jarrod's motives. She refused to believe anything he said. His past actions were beyond redemption. The thought that this demon could live so untroubled gnawed at Nicole. She mourned for her deceased father and felt even sorrier for her mother, who remained oblivious to the truth. And poor Austin had turned into a pawn in this mess.

Austin could've enjoyed a carefree childhood, but instead, he had to be on guard because of Jarrod's unpredictable behavior.

Even though Austin never voiced it, Nicole could tell from the nanny's careful attention that their days weren't easy.

Nicole shut her eyes. She was too exhausted to argue with Jarrod, unable to find the energy even to stand up.

Luckily, Jarrod ceased his scrutiny. He removed his suit jacket and threw it at Nicole, indifferent to whether she put it on or not. He then turned and walked down the slope.

Nicole was no fool. In this torrential rain, without the jacket, she would surely fall seriously ill. It didn't matter if she herself collapsed, but her concern was for Austin. Jarrod held no real affection for Austin, and if something happened to her, Austin would be the one to suffer.

Then there was Vicki. Nicole vividly recalled the words Vicki had uttered at the entrance of the courthouse. She knew the kind of woman who, driven by love, could commit unthinkable acts, even crimes.

With that in mind, Nicole pulled the jacket tight around herself, indifferent to its owner as long as it kept her warm.

From the corner of his eye, Jarrod watched, a slight smirk playing on his lips. He then approached Derek, looking down at Derek, now smeared with mud.

That look sent a shiver through Derek's core. The tall, imposing Jarrod had eyes like a wolf's, fierce and terrifying.

Throughout his life, Derek has only interacted with ordinary people, never facing any big shots. This was the first time he had felt a man's gaze could send shivers down his spine and make his body tremble. This sensation was far from pleasant.

"You... You dare kick me? Do you even know who I am? I'll get others to come and kill you. Derek threatened, trying to muster some bravery."

Before, Alec had been the one in touch with Derek, but Derek had never laid eyes on Alec, let alone Jarrod.

Derek figured Nicole didn't seem like a big shot, so whoever was assisting her couldn't be too remarkable either. He consoled himself that Jarrod only seemed tough but not as tough as he looked. Derek felt the need to stay strong until Jarrod acted first, so he couldn't back down. If he couldn't end Nicole today, he'd reach out to Alec again to let the latter handle it. Otherwise, exposing the truth wouldn't bode well for him.