Jarrod laughed bitterly. She was lying to him, even now.

He wouldn't be taken in. He could never be deceived!

A woman as deceptive and fickle as her didn't deserve love!

His tongue pressing against the back of his teeth, he uttered icily, “Jump, and I'll erase the Lawrence Group from Ardlens. Your family will wish they'd joined you, and the ones you care for will Live in the shadow of your choice."

His eyes flamed with an intensity that could consume anyone.

Without his say-so, Nicole had no right to die.

He loathed her so much, how could she depart this world before experiencing something worse than death?

Despite the swelling that distorted half her face, her lips formed a graceful curve. She gazed at him and declared, "Jarrod, three years!

Your three years abroad were a living hell. I'll give you my next three. If I survive them, you let the Lawrence family go and let me go."

Jarrod scoffed.

"Who do you think you are to negotiate with me?"

“Because it's you. You can't let go of me, and you can use me to satisfy your twisted desires. I'm willing to put it in writing, but you have to offer me some hope, right?"

Her face concealed by bandages, her smile was odd yet oddly captivating.

From the moment she ceased to love him and torment herself, she'd become unbeatable.

She aimed to strike a deal with this demon, to sever ties once and for all.

Jarrod looked at her, her face swollen yet still alluring, a dark glint flickering in his eyes.

She was practically begging for her own humiliation.

Well, he would gladly oblige!

Three years would suffice to break this woman, to purge her from his system completely.

He smirked and said, "Fine, you have a deal."