Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Instead, Nicole found herself enveloped in a sturdy, protective embrace.
Another stick swung down, but the person shielding her dodged, smashing it against the wall and shattering the wood.
The potential lethality of the blow was unmistakable. It could have been fatal.
Before Nicole could process the shock, darkness clouded her vision, and a pungent, bloody odor filled her nostrils, the scent drenching her hand.
Another strike was aimed at her, but a figure burst in, deflecting it. The stick clattered to the ground.
The newcomer, far from courteous, unleashed a flurry of kicks and punches on the bodyguards, swiftly overpowering them.
Even after the two bodyguards were down, the newcomer continued his assault relentlessly.
“Damn it! Are your eyes blind? How dare you hit Mr. Schultz? I’ll teach you both a lesson you won’t forget for your entire lifetime!” he bellowed.
It was none other than Alec.
In the chaos, the bloodied man, having previously shielded Nicole from the impact, collapsed with a heavy thud.
“Sir!” Alec rushed over to support.
Jarrod looked miserable, his white shirt soaked with blood. He had been recovering from a car accident that had only recently stopped bleeding.
Now, his wound had reopened due to the blow he took to protect Nicole, causing him to bleed profusely once more. His Lips were pale, and he appeared extremely weak.
Nicole, still in shock, was baffled about where Jarrod had come from.
Moments before, she had braced for the impact of the stick, but Jarrod had intervened, taking the blow for her.
Alec shot an angry glance at Nicole. “It’s all your fault! You’re a jinx!” he accused. He stooped to lift Jarrod, who had fainted. Yet, he alone couldn’t possibly hoist Jarrod onto his back.
Alec looked at Nicole with fury. “Help me! Don’t you have any conscience? Jarrod has saved you countless times, and you don’t even care!”
Stunned, Nicole quickly moved to assist in supporting Jarrod.
Meanwhile, Miguel arrived on the scene, feigning surprise. “What… How did this happen?” he exclaimed.
“Sir, there’s no need to pretend with me!” Alec retorted sharply.
Miguel, trying to maintain his composure, responded coldly, “Alec, what do you mean? I don’t understand!”
Alec scoffed. “Interesting! Mr. Schultz explicitly instructed me to relay the message that Miss Lawrence is not to be touched. What’s the meaning of this attack? This thick stick was intended to kill her, wasn’t it?”
Miguel feigned confusion. “Alec, you’re accusing me wrongly. I simply ordered that the thief caught at the banquet be punished according to our rules. Who would have guessed that the thief was Miss Lawrence? Why would Miss Lawrence steal anything?”
Disgusted by Miguel’s charade, Alec spat on the ground. “Save it! Don’t pretend you don’t recognize Miss Lawrence. If you don’t know her, then no one in the Watts family does?” He questioned, his tone full of scorn.
Alec was livid. Jarrod’s condition was dire and his previous injuries were exacerbated by this fresh assault. Courtesy was the last thing on anyone’s mind now.
Miguel was indeed despicable! Miguel must be around since this was Roscoe’s wedding. He failed to recognize Nicole?
What nonsense!
Alec had enough of dealing with Miguel. This old scoundrel was merely spinning his tales, wasting time, and Alec couldn’t afford to delay Jarrod’s medical attention any longer. His back was drenched in Jarrod’s blood, and no delay could be afforded.
Alec hoisted Jarrod and made for the exit. Earlier, Jarrod had rammed his car through the gate, badly damaging the front. It was a costly vehicle, now in ruins.
Two bodyguards swung the doors open as Alec laid Jarrod across the back seat, preparing to rush to the hospital.
Once inside the car, Alec sensed something amiss. Nicole hadn’t followed! He initially thought she was being callous again, indifferent to Jarrod’s grave condition.
Just as Alec was about to reprimand her, he noticed the Watts family’s bodyguards were preventing her from leaving.
Turning toward Miguel, Alec demanded, “What’s the meaning of this?”
Miguel maintained composure, his hand leisurely tracing his beard as he addressed Alec, “Alec, the accusation against Miss Lawrence regarding the theft of my family’s heirloom remains ambiguous. She is to remain under observation for the time being.”
“Mr. Watts, have you considered the repercussions?” Alec’s countenance was icy, exuding an air reminiscent of Jarrod’s authoritative presence, commanding attention.
Miguel harbored a tinge of fear within, yet outwardly projected a facade of calm. In his eyes, Alec was merely perceived as a subordinate and didn’t count for anything!
Without the role as Jarrod’s assistant, Alec wouldn’t merit so much as a glance from him.
He would have promptly dismissed Alec long ago.
Alec chuckled icily and retorted, “Mr. Watts, I am an average individual, unable to discern your current intentions. However, my employer possesses courage, ingenuity, and sagacity. Do you truly believe your facade will deceive him? What are the odds?”
Alec’s words jolted Miguel into awareness.
Miguel found himself drenched in cold sweat at this remark. Far from a fool, Jarrod possessed remarkable intelligence and astuteness. Plus, Jarrod was adept at employing underhanded tactics!
Knowing he couldn’t take action against Nicole today, Miguel attempted to diffuse the tension. “Alec, you’ve misconstrued the situation. I detained Miss Lawrence with noble intentions.”
Miguel chuckled awkwardly, his eye creases sharp as knives. “I aim to conduct a thorough investigation to exonerate Miss Lawrence. It’s unjust for her to bear the stigma of a criminal record for such a significant incident, isn’t it?”
Miguel possessed a silver tongue, his words carrying a persuasive charm. With years of experience in the field, he navigated such scenarios with ease.
Though Alec saw through Miguel’s facade, he was powerless to intervene. He had sensed Miguel’s ulterior motives but remained uncertain of their nature. Vigilance was imperative.
Alec scoffed. “Mr. Watts, save your words for Mr. Schultz when he regains consciousness. Don’t presume that you wield unchecked authority and can do whatever you want merely because your son married someone from the Schultz family! Your understanding of Mr. Schultz seems sorely lacking!”
Upon hearing Alec’s brazen words, Miguel’s complexion drained of color, boiling rage simmering within him. To be addressed in such a manner by a mere subordinate like Alec! Was this the respect he garnered? Alec failed to take him seriously!
Miguel vowed to make Alec regret his insolence sooner rather than later!
Meanwhile, Nicole remained rooted to the spot, her expression a mix of bewilderment and distress. Alec shot her a fierce glare, his patience waning.
“What are you lingering for? Do you intend to wait until Mr. Schultz succumbs to his injuries?”
Alec harbored no desire to rescue Nicole. She had caused Jarrod considerable anguish!
Despite Jarrod’s insistence that he harbored no feelings for Nicole, the mere notion of her peril compelled him to act.
Alec found himself at a loss for words. Men who were hopeless romantics proved more daunting than women engulfed in love. Jarrod would risk his life to safeguard Nicole, yet she’d offer no gratitude in return, understanding Jarrod’s intentions eluded Alec completely.
Nevertheless, he was duty-bound to carry out Jarrod’s directives, despite his reluctance. Jarrod’s impulsive tendencies when saving Nicole struck fear into him.
Alec grasped preserving Nicole’s safety was non-negotiable. Otherwise, he’d struggle to justify his actions to Jarrod.
Approaching Nicole, Alec seized her arm, guiding her toward the awaiting car.
Miguel’s unpredictability necessitated Alec’s vigilance over Nicole.
Nicole sensed Miguel’s murderous intent, likely due to her actions jeopardizing his plans. In such a scenario, Roscoe was faced with an even greater threat.
However, remaining here would only subject her to others’ control, rendering her unable to fight against the Watts family. Departure seemed the prudent choice, affording her the opportunity for careful deliberation.
Therefore, Nicole trailed behind Alec, entering the car.
On the way, the onboard doctor commenced treatment of Jarrod’s wounds.
Jarrod’s noncompliance necessitated Alec’s vigilant supervision to ensure proper medical attention.
Though the bleeding had been temporarily halted, Jarrod’s blood-stained shirt still hinted at his perilous condition.
Alec muttered curses under his breath, fixing a piercing gaze on Nicole. Throughout the journey, his glare pierced her repeatedly. He yearned to speak out, yet the words remained lodged in his throat.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the doctor swiftly ushered Jarrod in for urgent treatment.
The doctor recoiled in shock at the extent of Jarrod’s injuries, entertaining suspicions of him being a potential terrorist and contemplating involving the authorities.
Alec swiftly intervened, elucidating the circumstances and presenting evidence from hospital records in the mountain district, alongside newspaper clippings.
Gradually convinced, the doctor commenced treatment on Jarrod.
Alec exhaled deeply, relieved. He then instructed the doctor to examine Nicole, but she declined.
“I don’t require it. I’m departing,” Nicole asserted.
“Where are you going?” Alec retorted scornfully. “Back to the Watts family mansion to meet your demise?”
Alec seethed with frustration. “Damn it, I shouldn’t have intervened! Now that Jarrod is unconscious, if you fall into Miguel’s trap again, he’ll surely end you!”
Nicole met his gaze squarely. “Thank you for earlier. As for my fate, it’s none of your concern.”
Alec was left dumbfounded. This woman…
Nicole persisted, “When Jarrod awakens, relay to him that gratitude won’t be forthcoming for his deeds. The past remains indelible, and my animosity won’t dissipate.”
With that declaration, Nicole departed without a backward glance.