The woman cheerfully introduced Nicole to Jarrod, “Mr. Schultz, here’s a lovely lady who also wants to thank you.”
Jarrod’s gaze was calm and penetrating as he looked at Nicole, who appeared lifeless, and he offered a slight smile. “Oh? Thank me for what?”
Caught off guard by his question, the woman turned to Nicole and urged, “Miss, what would you like to thank Mr. Schultz for? Please, he’s right here…”
The harsh white light illuminated Nicole’s face, accentuating the blue veins beneath her pale skin. Her face was unnaturally pale, almost ghostly, which was alarming.
The woman’s happy mood faded as she noticed Nicole’s ghostly appearance. She grasped Nicole’s hand and asked, “Miss, why are your hands still so cold? Should we get you to a hospital?”
Nicole felt utterly weak but told herself to stay composed. She could not afford to break down just as Jarrod had been freed.
“Are you feeling unwell?” Jarrod asked as he reached to take Nicole’s hand from the woman, his voice softer than usual.
“Don’t touch me!” Nicole, like a startled bird, quickly stepped back and glared at Jarrod with wide eyes.
Nicole’s eyes, filled with loathing, revulsion, and resolve, showed no sign of thankfulness. The woman, her mouth hanging open, realized she might have misunderstood the situation.
Moved by compassion, the woman supported the weak Nicole, saying, “Miss, don’t be scared…”
The mood suddenly became tense.
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The woman hesitated to say more, realizing her good intentions might have led to this awkward situation. Mr. Schultz was regarded as a decent man, and Nicole with a troubled look seemed far from malicious.
It was unclear who was truly good or bad here.
“Jarrod!” A cheerful woman’s voice pierced the uneasy silence.
Vicki, dressed in a flowing white designer gown, briskly walked up and handed a bouquet to Jarrod, saying, “Jarrod, congratulations on your exoneration.”
Jarrod accepted it, simply replying, “Thank you.”
Vicki, pleased just to receive his gratitude, suggested, “You should really treat me to a nice dinner.”
Jarrod glanced briefly at Nicole before focusing on Vicki, his expression becoming tender. “Let’s go.”
The pair then walked away together.
Nicole felt as if her whole body was drenched in sweat, her legs shaky. Thankfully, the woman was there to support her.
Nicole belatedly realized she had miscalculated. Completely missed the mark! She had not even considered Vicki, which was incredibly foolish of her.
The woman, seeing sweat bead on Nicole’s forehead, showed her concern.
“Miss, perhaps we should go to the hospital.”
“No, thank you.” Nicole withdrew from the woman’s grasp and quickly followed the path Jarrod and Vicki had taken.