Sensing imminent danger, Nicole urgently exclaimed, âWe need to move, now!â
Just as Nicole spoke, a colossal tree, undermined at its roots by the insects, began to fall.
It leaned perilously toward Jarrod and Roscoe, the latter being steadied by a bodyguard.
The bodyguard, recognizing the imminent threat, released Roscoe and stepped away.
Reacting instinctively, Nicole cried out, âWatch out!â She hastily pulled Roscoe aside just in time.
At the same moment, a distressing shout of âSir!â echoed as Alec lunged toward Jarrod, trying to push Jarrod out of the treeâs devastating path.
The massive tree thundered down, striking the earth and leaving a huge crater behind.
If they hadnât moved when they did, they would have been crushed under the tree.
Just as Nicole caught her breath, a scream split the air.
The bodyguards shouted, âAlec! Alec!â They rushed over.
Alec had shielded Jarrod from the treeâs fall, and now his right arm was trapped beneath the heavy trunk.
His complexion was pale, his typically strong appearance reduced to fragility.
Nicoleâs heart dropped as she looked at Jarrod, noticing his icy gaze.
It was then she realized Jarrod had been in the treeâs dangerous path as well.
Without Alecâs intervention, Jarrod would have been crushed.
Nicole had considered saving Jarrod and thought with his agility, he could evade the tree easily.
Roscoe, however, seemed vulnerable, especially after being left by the bodyguard, compelling her to act instinctively to pull Roscoe to safety.
Jarrodâs eyes, filled with disappointment and anger, met Nicoleâs.
Nicole wanted to explain her actions, but his aloofness signaled he wasnât receptive to her words.
Instead, he kneeled to assess Alecâs injuries, his focus having shifted to Alec.
Nicole remained silent, realizing that no explanation could amend the situation now.
Alecâs condition was critical.
Unconscious from the pain, his arm hung by mere skin at the shoulder, the underlying bone and tissue visibly damaged.
Several men attempted to lift the tree, but the task was unmanageable.
Weighing tons, the treeâs removal required heavy machinery, unavailable deep in the mountainous terrain.
Even if Jarrod could arrange for cranes, Alecâs chances of surviving the delay were slim.
Jarrod, visibly frustrated, asked, âHas the helicopter arrived?â
âWe canât get a signal,â one of the bodyguards replied.
âFind higher ground and signal it, now!â Jarrod commanded, and a bodyguard quickly departed to carry out the order.
Roscoe, mustering his energy, examined Alecâs condition and declared, âHis arm needs to be amputated, or he wonât survive.
â