The witch approached the unconscious Nicole, crouching down to scrutinize her face as if evaluating a product. After a moment, she turned to a muscular man beside her and said, "This is her."

The witch stood and clapped her hands. “Alright, take her."

The man acknowledged, then quickly stuffed Nicole into a burlap sack and threw her into a car as if she weighed nothing. He slammed the door shut and drove away.

The witch then instructed another man standing by Nicole's car, "Take this car to a remote area and burn it."

The man nodded and drove Nicole's car away.

Just as the witch was about to follow the car that took Nicole, she received an unexpected phone call. After a brief discussion, she changed her plans.

Later that evening, Jarrod returned to the villa. Upon entering, he asked the housekeeper, “Has my wife eaten?”

The housekeeper appeared puzzled. “Sir, weren't you aware? She mentioned she was visiting her mother."

"Visiting her mother?" Jarrod's brow furrowed.

“Yes, she said that. She hasn't come back yet," the housekeeper explained.

Jarrod checked the time. It was already 8:30 PM. The sanatorium was not nearby, and Nicole should have returned by now.

Feeling anxious, Jarrod checked on Austin before rushing off to the sanatorium.

Upon arrival, he headed straight for Nicole's mother's room, finding her sleeping soundly.

A nurse standing nearby quickly rose and greeted him, “Mr. Schultz."

Without delay, Jarrod asked, “When did Nicole leave?"

“\ihat?" The nurse looked surprised. "She didn't come here today."

“She didn't come?" Jarrod echoed her words.

"That's correct. I've been here the entire day and haven't seen her," the nurse confirmed.

Jarrod turned and exited, dialing as he walked to his car. "Alec, find out where Nicole's car is," he ordered.

Acknowledging Jarrod's seriousness, Alec replied without questioning, "On it."