Nicole looked up at him with despair and hurriedly explained, "It's not what you think, Jarrod. I was just..."

Jarrod sneered and arrogantly used the toe of his shiny leather shoe to lift Nicole's chin, an act that was utterly demeaning.

"Seeing your hypocrite face makes me sick," he said with utter disdain.

Nicole's lips quivered, but no words came out. She knew arguing with him was futile.

Whatever she said, Jarrod would not believe her.

With this thought in mind, she braced herself for the impending ordeal.

"Get up," Jarrod commanded.

Nicole forced herself to her feet.

In Jarrod's eyes, every move she made was to deceive him.

Jarrod glanced at Nicole with revulsion, pushed the door open, and walked into the room.

Inside, several middle-aged men stood to greet Jarrod.

Jarrod acknowledged them with a nod and took his seat.

These men were CEOs of their respective companies. Though older than Jarrod, they were aware that Jarrod was more powerful and influential than them.

Recently, they were eager to collaborate with Jarrod on a lucrative project. However, they had yet to agree on terms as Jarrod's proposed price was exceedingly low.

Jarrod's shrewdness often rubbed people the wrong way. But they had no choice but to engage in discussions with him.

During the meeting, Deniz noticed Nicole standing at the door. He turned to Jarrod and politely asked, “Jarrod, is she your girlfriend?"

"Deniz, your vision must be failing," Jarrod replied with scorn.

"She's not my type. She's here for your entertainment."

The implication was clear to everyone. She was merely a whore.

Despite the warmth of the room, Nicole felt a chill.