With that, she exited the room, slamming the door behind her.

Lowe removed his shirt, exposing his pale skin and a_ slight protrusion around his midsection, easily concealed beneath clothing.

It appeared he hadn't devoted much time to exercise and had indulged in a life of comfort.

Approaching the still-dazed Nicole, Lowe lifted her chin, studying her beautiful yet pitiable visage. He sneered, "My dear, let's engage in a little diversion. Shall we play a game?"

Nicole remained in a haze, her consciousness fluctuating. Unable to discern Lowe's intentions, she could only manage, "What... What are you doing?"

Nicole understood the gravity of her situation. Vicki's threat resonated vividly in her mind. Vicki vowed to harm Austin. Such a notion was utterly intolerable! She would never allow anyone to harm Austin!

Nicole clenched a shard of broken glass tightly, piercing her palm and using the pain and blood to fend off drowsiness. She couldn't afford to lose consciousness. Lowe was nothing but a despicable individual.

Before long, Lowe prepared a drink laced with certain additives and coerced Nicole into consuming it. “Drink up. It's an aphrodisiac. Later, you'll entertain me."

It wasn't that Lowe lacked initiative. He simply couldn't muster it.

Despite entertaining various thoughts about engaging with Nicole, he found himself unable to achieve an erection. If he wished for Nicole's compliance, he had to assert dominance first. That was the only way to make her heed his commands.

Nicole attempted to topple the drink, but Lowe had anticipated her move and seized her wrist, applying a forceful twist.

Nicole weakened, and the broken glass plummeted to the ground alongside her hand.

Lowe chuckled scornfully. "Miss Lawrence, I suggest you cooperate. Otherwise, you'll face consequences."

He grasped Nicole's chin, compelling her to consume the concoction.

Feigning sincerity, he added, “Miss Lawrence, don't feel aggrieved. Jarrod isn't a commendable individual. He's volatile and perpetually wears a stern expression. I simply don't appreciate such traits. I, on the other hand, treat women with kindness and generosity, far better than him."

Nicole's mouth was held shut, rendering her incapable of forming coherent sentences, only emitting muffled sounds.

Lowe felt content witnessing Nicole consume half of the liquid and clapped his hands gleefully. He continued, “Exactly. There's no benefit in defying me. But if you comply and serve me well, I'll reward you generously..."

During his speech, he delivered a harsh slap across Nicole's cheek, as if he was slapping a woman in a brothel.

The sting of the slap jolted Nicole awake, igniting a fierce gleam in her eyes. “If you dare lay a hand on me, you'll regret it!" she coldly warned.

Lowe chuckled. "Miss Lawrence, still defiant even now. You possess the spirit of a noble lady, steadfast and unyielding. I rather admire itt"