Chapter 360 Settling New and Old Scores Together Nicole was visibly shocked by Jarrod's declaration, pausing in astonishment.

Jarrod was dead serious, not cracking a smile.

Struggling to express herself, Nicole found humor in the moment. "Mr.

Schultz, don't you know that women these days look for someone who's got skills? Given your past with numerous women, even if you were to beg..." She playfully straightened Jarrod's tie, taunting him, "I wouldn't give you a second glance." Jarrod couldn't believe he was being mocked by a woman in such a way. If it were someone else, he would have banished that culprit from Ardlens for

good, considering his notorious temperament. Yet, with Nicole, he was at a loss for words, swallowing his fury.

Nicole's eyes, brimming with sarcasm, seemed to remind him of a past embarrassment he had caused her.

"Nicole, I know you don't mean any of that," Jarrod said, his gaze icy, hiding his feelings. "Find another way to get back at me. This isn't going to rile me up." "Mr. Schultz, what makes you think I'm seeking revenge?" Taking advantage of his momentary speechlessness, Nicole snatched her phone back, her smile dripping with sarcasm.

"If you're so keen on seeing the video, I can send it your way. You've recorded stuff before, right? Even showed it to your brother, didn't you?" Nicole mocked.

As Jarrod's expression turned frosty, Nicole casually inquired, "Did they all praise how I looked?" Nicole's every word struck Jarrod like a dagger, reminding him of his past actions. How absurd and despicable he was! "Ding." The elevator reached the ground floor.

Without saying another word, Nicole brushed his hand off, ready to walk away.

As she moved to leave, Jarrod caught her wrist. He cleared his throat, his voice rough. "I messed up before. I'll make it up to you." Nicole laughed mockingly. "Make it up to me? How, Mr. Schultz? Can you undo death or heal the wounds those events carved into my heart?" Those were things no one could do.

Jarrod, his voice filled with emotion, said, "Suggest something I can do right now..." "Just go to hell!" Nicole said sharply.

"That's what you can do." Jarrod felt as though he'd been stabbed in the heart, the pain overwhelming.

Though known for being unfeeling, he was at a loss for words.

He whispered, "You know that's not something I can do..." "Stop talking about making it up to me if you can't actually do anything!" Nicole scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "The only way you could make it up to me is if you died a thousand times, leaving not even an intact body behind." Nicole's words cut like a knife. Her gaze was heavy with unhidden disgust.

Even after she left, Jarrod's face was

still ashen.

When Alec approached Jarrod moments later, Jarrod was still standing there alone, staring at the wall, his hand pressed against his chest as if in deep pain. None of the bodyguards dared come close or say anything comforting.

For Jarrod, these moments of solitude and pain had become all too familiar.

Lost in his thoughts, he'd feel a sharp pain in his body that no doctor could explain. Being the cause of Jarrod's remorse and pain, only Nicole could have the way to treat him.

After stepping out of the elevator, Nicole raised her eyes to the white ceiling above. A headache pounded at her temples, blurring her vision. She regretted letting her bitterness and anger show so openly. It had been a

rash decision.

At times, her deep-seated hatred felt beyond her control. It was like a ghost was haunting her, slowly tightening its hold on her neck, making her relive her past. This led to countless nights without sleep, filled with excruciating pain. And the source of all her agony was Jarrod.

was five whole years. From her initial despair and thoughts of ending it all to slowly finding her

and a

only one who knew her heart hadn't healed. It was decaying. Though she was alive, she felt like a walking dead. She took loads of antidepressants not because she wanted to live, but

die someday without any

she turned the corner, the bright lights ahead were

herself to be unbeatable. The sleepless nights and living

went with some leaders to a buffet

powerful woman named Archer, who had always been supportive and

back to the country, she

run a company, invited Nicole to become a partner

offered a much better chance than trying to

accepted the offer.

had set up the company in name only, keeping her involvement a secret to avoid raising Jarrod's suspicions. She even

Archer's support and gladly helped out with various tasks, such as

and had to leave early,

those who wanted to dance or just chat. At these events, it was common for wealthy young

were mostly

particularly popular.

noticed Jarrod. He instantly drew the attention of several women. His perfectly fitted suit and the slightly unbuttoned collar

Many women sneakily looked his way, clearly showing interest. He was undeniably good-looking and well-off, which made him attractive to those who didn't know him

knew his darker side,

approached him. His grumpy appearance turned them off, as they

watched, amused at first, but her mood quickly changed when she saw Jarrod looking her way from across

decided to leave, wanting to

a poised and attractive girl stepped in front of Jarrod, obviously from a rich family,

distracted, Nicole took the chance to slip

in full swing and big fans spreading cool

wine.

getting her refill, Nicole looked for a place to sit. Suddenly, she was jostled by someone, causing her drink to splash all

the heavier side and looked

attention, but he was trying to make it seem like hers. She met his gaze with a cold stare. "Actually, you're the one who ran into me." "You worthless

sparkled.

Nicole over without hiding his interest. "A lady as lovely as you get

The mix of his

Deniz from the Vipo Group. He was a long-standing supplier for the Hampton family and

own company was in the

of the picture could just give her

met years before, but it appeared

cold look passed through Nicole's eyes, indicating she was ready to deal with both past and present

to be shy. "What would you like me to do to make up for it?" Deniz's excitement was visible, yet he tried to sound serious. "My dear, these shoes of mine are tailor-made, worth a fortune and you can't find them here." Nicole acted surprised, playing the innocent. "Are they really that expensive?" Deniz laughed. "They are, but I'll let it slide. Think of it as making friends

impressive figure that easily outshone those of glamorous models. g

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