The man approached Nicole again, ready to deliver another kick, but this time she managed to sidestep it. Trembling with fear, she pleaded, “Please, sir, don't hurt me. I swear I didn't mean to. If you keep hitting me like this, you'll kill me..."

Although the man had encountered many women before and had grown indifferent to them, Nicole's gentle pleas struck a chord with him.

There was something about the desperation in her voice that stirred something within him. He found himself unexpectedly swayed by Nicole's soft, pleading tone, and he felt a strange tug of emotions.

Yet, despite the feelings welling up inside him, he couldn't shake the suspicion that Nicole was deliberately trying to manipulate him through seduction.

Although the man sensed something was off, he couldn't bring himself to resist Nicole's charm. He approached Nicole, seized her by the head, yanked her upwards, and snapped, "Damn it! Where did you pick up such an alluring demeanor?"

Nicole was naturally defiant, but years of hardship had taught her the importance of subtlety, especially now when she was desperately searching for even a sliver of hope. "Sir, I don't understand what you're implying..."

While her body shook, Nicole's hand had already gripped a sturdy stick she had hastily picked up from the ground.

The man pulled Nicole close. Startled, Nicole feebly protested. "Sir, it's not convenient for me to please you like this. Maybe you could untie my hands."

Recently struck by Nicole, the man grew cautious. "What are you plotting?"

“Nothing. It's just you can't enjoy yourself with me in such a position, right?" Nicole reasoned. "If you're suspicious, why not free one of my hands and secure the other to the window? What do you think?"

The man found her words fascinating. He hadn't anticipated that she'd be so knowledgeable that she suggested playing the tying game with him. “I'm warning you. If you try anything, I'll break your neck instantly!" he threatened vehemently.

Nicole feigned terrified and replied, “Sir, what do you mean? How could I possibly dare? I'm totally at your mercy here. I need to obey to avoid more trouble!"

“You are clever!" the man said with approval.

"That's right. I work at a club. I understand the preferences of the wealthy. If I take good care of you, you won't harm me, right?"

Nicole played up her role as a call girl since the man had no clue about her real occupation.

As expected, the man let his guard down at Nicole's words. He didn't doubt her words and believed she was an escort at an upscale club, which explained her boldness.

People of his work would stay hidden off duty to protect their identity. The man never dared to frequent high-class clubs. He harbored envy for the wealthy patrons who flaunted their status at the club. Rumor had it, the women there knew all sorts of clever tricks, far more than he could ever imagine. Men always crave novelty.

With this in mind, the man began to loosen Nicole's bindings, though he remained on high alert. A long, sharp knife lay within reach, just in case Nicole tried anything.

Without further resistance, Nicole was led to the window.

While the man was vigilant, Nicole knew she couldn't succeed even if she struck. She was biding her time, waiting for him to lower his guard.