“You mean your lover? What makes you think I did so?" Alec lifted his wine glass, sipped slowly, and smirked. "I haven't seen him.

Alec's expression seemed to taunt Nicole, "I know something you don't."

Alec chuckled, adding, “Miss Lawrence, you're such a lousy detective. I must say you've really gone all out for your little lover."

“He's not my Lover," Nicole stated sharply, correcting Alec. “You don't need me to remind you that kidnapping is a crime, right? Mr. Schultz just got out of jail. Do you want to end up there?"

Alec smirked. "Who said I kidnapped him? Didn't I already tell you..."

He paused, adding teasingly, "I haven't seen him?"

It was clear Alec was toying with Nicole. He never liked Nicole, deeming the latter unworthy of Jarrod's affection. Despite all the tenderness Jarrod gave Nicole upon her return, she didn't hesitate to harm Jarrod if granted by chance. Furthermore, Nicole even had the mood to date Roscoe on Valentine's Day while Jarrod was still behind the bars!

Alec doubted Nicole would ever be bothered by the suffering Jarrod had experienced in the prison. She was simply a heartless woman!

With a smug look, Alec assumed Nicole would be in for a tough time now that Jarrod was released, untouched by those charges. The idea of Nicole and Roscoe trying to topple Jarrod was utterly ludicrous.

Alec, draping an arm around a woman beside him, casually remarked, "Your little lover worked late last night. He must be exhausted. Do you ever wonder why he puts in such long hours? Is it to provide a better life for you?"

Nicole's lips pressed tightly together, her silence unyielding.

Alec gave a theatrical sigh and murmured, “What a pity..."

Nicole clenched her fists and asked icily, "Pity?"

"Well. . ." Alec began, only to leave his sentence unfinished. "Never mind.

“What do you want from me?" Nicole demanded.

Alec shifted slightly and chuckled. "Miss Lawrence, your questions are so stiff, completely lacking any sincerity."

Watching Alec eye the bottle of imported wine on the table, Nicole grabbed it and took a large swig, draining more than half.

“Is this enough?" The strong alcohol scorched Nicole's throat, making her wince and cough slightly. She slammed the bottle down and stared at Alec, her eyes steely, “Alec, are you satisfied now?"

Alec couldn't help but think Nicole might be unhinged. The drink was indeed strong. He had intended to make things difficult for her, but he didn't expect her to down two-thirds of the bottle so quickly.

Seeing Alec silent, Nicole grabbed the remaining half of the bottle and emptied it in one gulp.