After a Lengthy pause, Alec finally voiced his frustration, unable to hold back his anger, âSir, what are you thinking? You know that woman is out to harm you, yet youâre keeping her close?â
Alec was utterly baffled.
It seemed to him that Jarrodâs judgment needed serious questioning, perhaps even a medical evaluation.
âHe really seems unwell, like he needs treatment,â Alec said to himself grimly.
âDonât worry about it.
Just follow my orders,â Jarrod commanded sharply.
Alec had earned the right to question Jarrod, having stood by Jarrod through thick and thin, even facing death together.
Otherwise, he knew well enough that such questioning would normally be off-limits.
âSirâ¦â Alec started, hoping to remind Jarrod of their early struggles, and the peace they had worked so hard to achieve.
To Alec, instead of distancing himself from a potential threat, Jarrod was now, metaphorically, sleeping with a time bomb.
âEnough,â Jarrod cut him off.
âNicole is my wife now.
All resources of the Schultz Group must support her unconditionally.
Also, I will not tolerate anyone mistreating her.
Do you understand?â
Alec was at a loss for words.
He couldnât understand.
He couldnât grasp why Jarrod would commit so completely to a woman known for her ruthless and calculating nature.
But he was left with no choice.
He had to comply with Jarrodâs directive and ensure his safety simultaneously.
âI understand.
â Alec nodded.
âProceed.
â Jarrod dismissed him.
After leaving, Alecâs frustration manifested in his actions.
He reprimanded the slackers among the staff, signaling to everyone at the company that it was best not to cross him today.
Meanwhile, Nicole had rested briefly and decided to venture out.
She headed to the police station to speak with the nanny, who was now a key figure in proving Vickiâs involvement.
Nicole knew that Vicki would never confess to any wrongdoing.
On her way, Nicole encountered the short-haired female police officer who had spoken so assertively at the gate the other day.
The officer recognized Nicole and greeted her po litely, âMiss Lawrence.
â
Nicole was surprised.
âYou know me?â
âYes, I saw your photo in a magazine covering the Lawrence Groupâs annual meeting,â the officer replied.
The mention of the Lawrence Groupâs annual meeting felt surreal for Nicole.
It had been six years since her father had passed away.
The name âLawrence Groupâ now seemed so distantâ¦
âI apologize for not greeting you properly yesterday while on duty,â the short-haired female police officer added.
âItâs fine.
I didnât expect you to remember the Lawrence Group,â Nicole said.
âI should remember.
I was a beneficiary of the Lawrence Groupâs Hope Project,â the female police officer remarked.
Nicole wasnât surprised.
Her father had been dedicated to helping children through the Hope Project, and many of these children had grown to make significant contributions in various fields.
The officer introduced herself as Ethel Castro.
She was relatively new to the force, filled with enthusiasm and ambition for her job.