Even if Jarrod never tasted a drop, as long as he acknowledged her thoughtfulness, that was all that mattered.

Jarrod was on his way out while Alec was waiting in the car.

Spotting Jarrod, Alec quickly stowed away his phone and stepped out to open the door for Jarrod.

Jarrod glanced at Alec's phone, now silenced and resting on the seat, and directed without a backward glance, "You're driving."

Alec immediately got behind the wheel.

This type of instruction usually stemmed from an important matter Jarrod needed to attend to without disclosing the details to the driver.

As they pulled away, just as Alec was about to inquire about their destination, Jarrod interrupted Alec with a stern look.

“Hand over your phone," Jarrod commanded.

Jarrod's demand left Alec puzzled and uneasy. Why the sudden need for his phone?

But with Jarrod's unyielding gaze fixed on him, Alec didn't dare to hesitate. He unlocked his phone and handed it over.

Jarrod found an encrypted number and inquired, “Who is this?"

Alec faltered, "I... It's..."

“Think carefully before you answer," Jarrod warned sternly.

Startled, Alec whispered, "Mr. Schultz, I..."

"You have thirty seconds to clear this up, and don't omit a single detail," Jarrod demanded, his face stormy and imposing.

Alec, now frantic, confessed, "Derek didn't leave town after taking the money. He's been flaunting it in Ardlens. I found out Miss Lawrence was investigating Derek. When Derek called for advice, I..."

Jarrod, his patience wearing thin, pressed on, “And then what?"

With a gulp, Alec admitted, “Then I directed Derek to run her over."

At Alec's words, the atmosphere in the car turned icy, as if plunged into a deep freeze.

Alec dared not utter another word. He understood Nicole's significance to Jarrod. His actions stemmed from frustration with Nicole's constant schemes against Jarrod.