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.

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

people and a lot of things.

the 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

die someday without

turned the corner, the

tears, steeling herself to be unbeatable. The sleepless

with some leaders to a buffet

Archer, who

to the country, she had

a company, invited Nicole to become a partner in

a much better chance than trying to make it

accepted the offer.

in name only, keeping her involvement a secret to avoid raising Jarrod's suspicions. She even

was thankful for Archer's support and gladly helped out

the dinner, Archer felt sick and had to leave

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

were mostly

particularly popular.

Jarrod. He instantly drew the attention of several

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

darker side, something

them off, as they feared he wouldn't be friendly if they tried to

first, but her mood quickly changed when she saw Jarrod looking her way from across the room. Jarrod

to leave, wanting to

then, out of nowhere, a poised and attractive girl stepped in

Nicole took the chance

with a barbecue in full swing and big fans spreading cool air around. Guests mingled, holding

the fruity wine. It was a plum drink, tangy and sweet, perfectly refreshing without

to sit. Suddenly, she was jostled by someone, causing her drink to splash all over

the man exclaimed. He was a bit on the heavier side and looked unkempt. Mistaking Nicole for one of the staff because of

It was clearly his fault for not paying 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."

sparkled.

over without hiding his interest. "A lady as lovely as you get a pass for anything. But, darling, you've done a number on my back with that

make it right?" The mix of his sleazy voice and his balding head was

Vipo Group. He was

the running, just behind the Vipo

picture could just give her

met years before, but it

look passed through Nicole's eyes, indicating she was ready to deal with

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 with a lovely lady like you. Just drink a glass in apology to me. How's that sound?" Nicole was in

particularly because the stunning Nicole before him boasted an impressive figure that easily outshone those of glamorous models. g Having

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