With his acute perception, Jarrod understood all these unspoken thoughts in Nicole's mind. That was precisely why he set conditions that would tightly bind Nicole to him. Yet, his consideration couldn't be uttered aloud since Nicole hated his core, a fact that he fully grasped.

Jarrod had forced himself not to show any kindness toward Nicole in case she might leverage it. His attempt to compensate for his previous mistreatment of her was one thing. However, he could never bear her departure from his side.

Now that Jarrod had seen through that Nicole was the only one he desired, with the complexities of their shared past, his only option was to ensure she couldn't leave his side.

Merely having her stay by his side wasn't sufficient. She had to be legally recognized as his wife to be truly bound to him. This arrangement would prevent her from vanishing without a trace whenever she wished, as she had done previously. There was no way he could let history repeat.

Nicole replied, “Since you understand my intentions, you should realize that I cannot always be near you, because..." She paused and then stated clearly, "Your presence repulses me. How can I possibly stay by your side?"

"Is disgust all that exists between us?" Jarrod asked, his voice uncertain, almost quivering.

Nicole pressed her lips together, choosing to remain silent. She reflected on the past and knew that she hadn't always hated Jarrod to the core. There was a time on the mountain road when he had risked his life to save her, after which he had nearly fallen off a cliff.

Back then, she didn't even recognize him, and only found out that it was him once she had saved him. At that moment, feelings other than hatred had emerged.

Those emotions were not her desire for revenge. The feelings were intense and unanticipated, like green grass sprouting through the cracks of a barren desert, stubbornly piercing through her icy heart.

However, Nicole quickly extinguished those emerging feelings and felt they should never have arisen in the first place. She and Jarrod had no future. She could not allow the inappropriate emotions to disturb and sway her resolve.

After a prolonged silence, any hope Jarrod harbored was completely gone. He suddenly chuckled and said, "Disgust is better than never seeing you again for the rest of my life."

Nicole did not grasp what he meant.

Jarrod explained, "If you leave this car today, I will take every measure to confront the Watts family. Are you ready to abandon that man?"

His eyes brimmed with contempt as he coldly stated, “I'm going to torture him to death!"

“How dare you!" Nicole swiftly turned her head, her hand turning white from tension.

“I'm sure you know that's within my capabilities," Jarrod said calmly.

“And you should also be aware that the Hampton family has already discovered your actions yesterday. Without my protection, do you think Vicki and Lowe will spare you?"

Jarrod seemed to have a knack for pinpointing exactly what would manipulate Nicole. "If you terminate our arrangement now, you must understand that it won't just be you at risk. The people close to you, including Jemma, will also suffer the consequences," he continued.

Jarrod was correct. Once Nicole stepped out of this car, Vicki would definitely make her pay after catching wind of her actions. Jemma would surely be the first one they targeted.

Nicole wasn't alone. Jemma was with her and had been a great help.