The previous night, Jarrod had received a phone call that changed his expression dramatically, following which he had instructed Alec to locate Nicole.
Alec later discovered that the call had come from Jemma.
He couldnât fathom why Jemma would call Jarrod instead of contacting Nicoleâs family or the police after finding Nicole missing.
That call had nearly cost Jarrodâs life.
Alec planned to look into Jemma more closely once they were back, suspecting that there was something unusual about her.
His instincts told him that Jemma was no ordinary person.
When Alec learned of Nicoleâs last known location, he realized that she had run into a group that was dangerous and not to be trifled with.
Despite Alecâs objections, Jarrod had been determined to find Nicole.
He had spent an entire day and night searching, ignoring Alecâs appeals to rest.
Later, upon learning that Nicole might be at that base, Jarrod drove off without waiting for Alec.
By the time Alec caught up with Jarrod, Jarrod was already in an ambulance.
Alec was clueless about what had transpired before that.
In Jarrodâs ward, there was a large bouquet of flowers, the type usually sent by a girl.
Jarrodâs expression darkened, and he was about to speak when the door swung open.
âHello.
â A sweet-looking girl approached.
Jarrod didnât recognize her.
Upon laying eyes on Jarrodâs face, the girl was momentarily captivated.
She walked over and said, âSir, thank you for rescuing me and the other girls in the truck.
â
She set down the fruit basket she was carrying.
Jarrod remained silent, and she was reluctant to leave.
She never expected their rescuer to be this dashingly handsome.
To her, Jarrod possessed an authoritative presence, even with bandages around his head.
He resembled the Prince Charming from the fairy tales she had read.
Jarrodâs eyes were piercing, his features striking.
It was rare for girls from the bottom of society to meet someone like him.
âSir, may I peel an apple for you?â the girl offered.
As she reached for an apple, a stern voice intervened.
âYou donât need to.
Please leave.
â Jarrodâs tone was cold and detached.
The girl, caught off guard, felt embarrassed as she held the apple.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she said, âSir, I just wanted to express my gratitude.
â
Jarrod replied coldly, âThereâs no need for thanks.
I didnât intend to save you back then.
â
The girl was stunned.
If Jarrod hadnât meant to save them, why had he confronted those ruthless people traffickers? His deeds had practically placed his own life in harmâs way.
At Jarrodâs response, Alec was speechless.
Back at the scene, photos of the ambulance were captured, and the media had quickly learned about Jarrodâs contribution to saving those abducted girls.
They gloried the fact, trumpeting Jarrodâs achievements in saving tons of abducted girls.