Despite Deniz's apparent cluelessness, Nicole didn't think of him as an idiot. Anyone who could build a reputation in Ardlens had to have some smarts.

Deniz pressed further. "You say Jarrod values you, right? Then why don't you call him and tell him what happened? Let's see how he handles it."

He insisted Nicole make the call.

Nicole shook her head. "I've got important matters here. I wouldn't have come otherwise."

Vicki's tactics weren't formidable, but Nicole chose to comply only to make Vicki drop her guard and ease Jarrod's vigilance. This time, she would be careful and not act impulsively. Her goal was to regain custody of Austin and leave with him, ensuring their safety.

There were still many secrets at Kingbel Club waiting to be uncovered.

Now that she was here as Vicki demanded, Nicole assumed Vicki would lower her guard and wouldn't take any immediate action against Austin, which benefited everyone. Besides, the familiar face she'd seen earlier, the woman named Melissa, was definitely a concern. Melissa must have done the plastic surgery to resemble her look, but from where did Melissa know her, and why was Melissa imitating her?

Nicole knew this situation wasn't as simple as it appeared and felt the urge to delve into the underlying truth.

Deniz believed neither Nicole nor Vicki. Vicki only appeared generous on the surface. Deniz had seen her type before, and he knew that when such people lost control, they were more terrifying than lunatics. It was best not to provoke women like that.

Deniz's hesitation made him lose interest in Nicole. After all, there were plenty of women in the world. Although Nicole was captivating, she wasn't enough to make him lose his senses. He had just returned to Ardlens and couldn't afford any more mistakes. He had to tread carefully with every decision.

Deniz maintained his suspicion and sneered, “I think you're just trying to deceive me."

Deniz was far from naive. With years spent navigating the intricate web of the business world, he had grown as cunning as anyone in his network. His keen observations had sharpened, allowing him to understand the hidden motives of those around him.

"You and Vicki are both dreadful. Each of you wishes the other were dead," Deniz remarked.

He chuckled lightly, a hint of irony in his smile. “Are you both trying to use me as a scapegoat?"

Nicole's expression remained composed, her calmness a stark contrast to the tension in the air. “If you doubt my words, I can show you how to verify them."

Deniz's gaze intensified. "What method?"

With a strategic tilt of her head, Nicole proposed, "Call Vicki. Tell her you've tortured me to death. Her reaction will reveal the truth."

Deniz considered this a brilliant strategy. He had never pegged Nicole for both beauty and brains.

Deniz retrieved his phone, the cold device feeling suddenly heavy in his hand, and dialed Vicki's number. She picked up promptly. “Mr. Miller, what's going on?"

Vicki's voice usually carried a disinterested tone when speaking to Deniz, but tonight it was tinged with an eager anticipation, possibly hopeful for news of Nicole's downfall.