Do you not realize the extent of his sacrifices to rescue you, bearing wounds across his body? The stick not only shattered the ten -hour work of the surgeonâs needle but also wounded him emotionally.
Even then, he acted out of concern for you.
However, you seemed to wish for his demise.
How could you be so heartless, Miss Lawrence?
Alecâs agitation heightened as he posed the question once more.
âOr perhaps I should inquire, do you possess a conscience at all? Despite Mr.
Schultz owing everything to your family, after enduring countless disasters and hardships on your behalf, one would expect some form of reciprocation.
â
With a sneer, Alec continued, âYet not only has there been no reciprocation, but Iâve observed your audacity growing, your determination to undermine him becoming more pronounced.
But what does it matter? Let me make this clear.
Since Mr.
Schultz returned from abroad, heâs been operating legally.
Even under scrutiny, the outcome remains unchanged.
Do you comprehend? Iâve stood by him for countless years and my allegiance lies with him.
A mere glance from him obviates the need for explicit instructions and Iâll handle everything.
â
Alec scoffed.
âMiss Lawrence, do my words resonate with you?â
Nicoleâs thoughts were consumed by concern for Austin, hindering her from fully comprehending Alecâs message.
Nevertheless, she managed to glean some understanding.
It dawned on her that all the nefarious activities of the Schultz Group in recent times were orchestrated by Alec.
Attempting to implicate Jarrod from that angle would prove futile.
The more Nicole remained silent, the more Alecâs anger intensified.
To him, Nicole appeared heartless and irrational.
Everyone had a unique perspective, and Alec naturally couldnât comprehend Nicoleâs viewpoint.
Frustrated, Alec exclaimed, âDo you get it? I handled all the dirty work! Mr.
Schultz advised restraint, but I resisted.
The business world is brutal and one must be ruthless to survive! Iâm willing to bear the burden for him.
Even if someone attacks me, I wonât flinch for the sake of Mr.
Schultzâs future.
â
With a cold tone, Alec asked, âDo you think I can stand by and watch you harm Mr.
Schultz?â
Finally, Nicole interjected, âAlec, I need to talk to Jarrod about Austin.
â
She lacked the strength to confront Jarrod or even contemplate it.
For now, her only concern was Austinâs safety.
Unexpectedly, Alec laughed upon hearing this.
âMiss Lawrence, your thoughts dwell on your son now? If genuine concern for him existed, you would have refrained from harming his biological father, right?â
He commented, âMr.
Schultz exemplifies exceptional kindness.
Had it been another individual, your fate would have been sealed many times over.
â
Nicole anxiously inquired, âWho has been tending to Austin Lately?â
Alecâs opinion did not trouble her, but she sensed his unwavering loyalty to Jarrod could shield Austin from harm.
Thus, she opted to inquire.
Alec frowned and replied, âMiss Hampton has been tending to him.
â
Nicoleâs heart sank, prompting her to assert, âI desire to see Austin.
I am presently at the doorway of his villa.
Kindly seek Jarrodâs approval for me to visit him immediately.
My apprehensions for Austinâs well-being persist.
â
Alec scoffed.
âWhatâs there to worry about? Miss Hampton tends to Austin admirably.
She escorted him to meet Mr.
Schultz yesterday.
Under her tutelage, Austin addressed Mr.
Schultz as âDaddy.
â She excels in both care and upbringing.
Consequently, Mr.
Schultz intends to expedite their union.
Rest assured, Miss Lawrence, you are cordially invited to witness their forthcoming nuptials.
â
Nicoleâs heart plummeted deeper still.
Jarrod wanted to marry Vicki as soon as possible? Despite recognizing Vickiâs substantial assistance for Jarrod and her suitability as his future spouse, the announcement still came as a jolt.
While Jarrod and Vicki had cohabitated as betrothed partners, their wedding date had been contingent on Nicoleâs appeal and review of the fight for Austinâs custody.
What spurred this sudden urgency?
Upon their union, Nicoleâs chances to obtain custody of Austin would be further attenuated.