While riding in the car, Nicole thought hard but couldn't make sense of Jarrod's last words. He said she knew how to win back his trust.

But how? She was clueless. What should her next steps be? Knowing Jarrod's vengeful character, he would likely target those close to her to make her suffer. After Roscoe, who would be next? Ethel or Jemma? Or might he move her mother and Austin away, keeping them out of her reach?

Come to think of it, Nicole realized Jarrod had numerous ways to threaten her, and she was powerless to fight them.

Nicole buried her face in her hands, now damp with tears, struggling to understand what Jarrod really meant. He wanted her to figure out a way to earn back his trust... When had he truly trusted her? They had a complicated history. Jarrod had trusted her the most back when she was just a naive college student.

At that time, Nicole loved Jarrod without conditions, clueless about his tricks and schemes, just falling for him innocently. Back then, he trusted her effortlessly, knowing she was innocent and wouldn't suspect him or doubt him. But now, after all the hurt and distrust, only suspicion and defensiveness remained. Was his condition that she must love him again? He must know that was impossible. Her feelings for him had long faded.

Back at the villa, Nicole was isolated, cut off from the outside world and even from seeing Austin. She grew anxious, pondering over Austin's whereabouts if he wasn't in the villa. Where had Jarrod taken Austin?

Half a month went by, and Nicole still hadn't seen Austin. When she asked the servants, they feigned ignorance. She attempted to reach Jarrod, but he didn't reply.

Out of desperation, Nicole took a chance when the servants were distracted and climbed out the balcony window to escape. However, she lost her balance and fell, getting caught in the act.

The servants brought Nicole back to the villa and summoned a doctor for her injuries.

After this incident, Nicole was kept under even tighter surveillance.

The butler had workers seal all the windows right before her eyes.

The villa was locked down so thoroughly that not even a fly could enter.

After several days of recovery, Nicole finally saw Jarrod again, who showed up late at night.

Jarrod stood quietly by her bedside.

Nicole opened her eyes and was startled by his cold, handsome face.

"Ah..." She let out a small scream.

When she realized it was him, she froze and then urgently asked, “Jarrod, where is Austin? What have you done with him?"

“You will never see him again," Jarrod responded.

Nicole's body tensed up. After a few seconds, she lunged at Jarrod, scratching and biting him. “What did you do to him? He's just a kid! What have you done to him?"

Jarrod stood still, seemingly unaffected by her attacks. Seeing her frantic state, his mocking smile widened. "What do you think I did? How evil do you think I am?"