Clenching his jaw, Jarrod asked in a measured tone, âNicole, do you really get a kick out of fooling me like this?â
Before Nicole could utter a word, Raeganâs brow creased in concern.
âDidnât you hear her? She told you to let her go,â Raegan asserted.
Jarrod, however, kept his grip on Nicoleâs wrist as if deaf to Raeganâs words.
Impatient and agitated, Raegan pulled at Jarrod, insisting, âRelease her, now!â
Trying to fend off Raeganâs attempts, Jarrod suddenly felt an arm seizing his wrist.
It was Victor, not particularly tall but exuding a commanding presence.
âDonât touch her,â Victor stated firmly.
Jarrod, underestimating Victor, attempted to free himself from what he thought were weak grips.
To Jarrodâs astonishment, Victorâs hold was unyielding, suggesting some hidden strength or training.
Simultaneously, Mitchel positioned himself strategically behind Jarrod, his gaze icy and serious.
âJarrod, have a nice talk.
No need for violence,â Mitchel advised.
Raeganâs realization dawned.
She looked at Jarrod with a mix of disgust and accusation.
âSo youâre the one who hurt Nicole?â she questioned.
âNo wonder all the scumbags know each other.
â
Caught off guard, Mitchel found himself unexpectedly being reprimanded.
Luis, wearing a grin, chimed in, âHey Raegan, remember I always treated you well.
Donât group me with these scumbags.
â
Though Raegan didnât quite recall Luis, she noted his constant smile and seemingly amicable demeanor.
âI hope thatâs true,â she replied with a nod.
Luis burst into laughter at her response, causing Mitchel to frown in disapproval.
Frustrated, Raegan grasped Nicoleâs arm and demanded Jarrod, âRelease her now.
â
Jarrod didnât want to let Nicole go.
Five years had passed.
For five long years, heâd yearned for Nicole.
Heâd often dreamed of holding her hand.
But awakening brought the harsh truth.
It was only a dream, just a fleeting fantasy.
Mitchel had clung to the belief that Raegan was alive all these years despite the car incident inflicted on Raegan.
However, Jarrod had seen, even touched, what he thought was Nicoleâs mutilated body.
Nicole had planned everything perfectly, leaving Jarrod no room for doubt.
Jarrod longed to ask Nicole why sheâd been so heartless with him.
He couldnât stop staring at Nicole, afraid sheâd vanish if he blinked.
He finally said, âShould we talk here, or somewhere private?â
Nicole, anticipating this moment with Jarrod, had a plan long ago.
Looking at Jarrod, she suggested playfully, âSomewhere private is better.
â
Raegan looked worried.
She didnât want Jarrod near Nicole.
âAre you sure?â
âItâs okay,â Nicole reassured, patting Raeganâs arm with a smile.
âGo on.
Iâll join you soon.
â
âVictor, please stay with Nicole.
â Raegan was unsure of Victorâs capabilities at first.
But she trusted that her brother wouldnât assign just anyone as her bodyguard.
Raegan was concerned about Nicole dealing with Jarrod alone.
However, with Victor by Nicoleâs side, she felt Nicole would be safe.
âNo need,â Nicole declined firmly.
She gave Jarrod a challenging look and said, âI doubt Mr.
Schultz would do anything against the Law.
â
Her comment implied Jarrod was as dangerous as a ruthless criminal.
Yet, Jarrod seemed unfazed.
He kept his eyes steadily on Nicole, showing no reac tion to her words.
He wasnât bothered by what others thought.
âAlright.
Go ahead.
â Nicole gave Raegan a reassuring smile.
âItâs good youâve got Victor with you.
â
âAlright.
Letâs meet up later.
â
âSure thing.
â
At this time, Matteo stepped up and informed Mitchel, âMr.
Dixon, the auctionâs about to start.
â
Raegan had already pressed the elevator button, catching Mitchelâs attention to join her.
Raegan grinned and directed Mitchel, âMr.
Dixon, the elevator to the auction room is that way.
â
Raeganâs previous gratitude for Mitchelâs help in locating and comforting Janey was replaced by anger due to the record he had sent the night before.
Yet, she would not exploit his kindness.
She doubled all the expenses and transferred them to the Dixon Groupâs bank account.
She figured Mitchel understood her stance.
The elevator doors shut in front of Mitchel, his handsome face showing a hint of concern, his hand slowly clenching at his side.