Especially since Nicole had just lost a legal battle, Alec assumed taking Austin away from her would keep her subdued for a while. But to his dismay, she lost in court in the morning and by the afternoon, she was already snooping around the forensic lab. Finding nothing, yet undeterred, she even secured a job there to unearth clues.

Nicole's unwavering resilience exasperated Alec, making her seem invincible. Frankly, her tenacity frightened him, always leaving a nagging fear that she would be the ruin of Jarrod. So when Derek called him in a panic, he impulsively issued that fateful order.

Alec wasn't afraid of Jarrod's retaliation. He did what he deemed necessary. Even if it failed, he had no regrets. He couldn't stand idly by and watch Nicole harm Jarrod. Even if it meant paying the price, he was willing to do it.

After hearing this, Jarrod asked emotionlessly, his countenance inscrutable, “Did you act alone, or were you paid?"

Alec's heart sank, not anticipating Jarrod to hold him in such low regard. Jarrod had once saved his life, and he prided himself on his loyalty. How could he possibly be bribed?

"Mr. Schultz, I would rather die than..." Alec began, but Jarrod had lost interest.

"Where?" Jarrod asked abruptly.

Alec hastily replied, knowing Jarrod inquired about Derek, “I'm not sure. He called me a while ago and then vanished. When I tried calling back, his phone was off..."

"Send me the location he was last seen and the recording," Jarrod commanded.

Alec's phone was specially designed to record calls and messages with a single button and could be wiped clean just as swiftly in an emergency, ensuring no evidence fell into the wrong hands.

Alec sent Jarrod the recent recording and the location.

Jarrod's voice turned cold as ice. "Get out of the car."

Alec's heart raced as panic gripped him. "Mr. Schultz, it's too risky for you to go alone. Please, let me accompany you. I won't make another mistake..."

"Do I need to repeat myself?" Jarrod's gaze froze Alec to the core.

With a heavy heart, Alec reluctantly exited the car, but his resolve remained unyielding as he clung to the window. “Mr. Schultz, please, let me come with you. I promise to follow your orders. Let me protect you, please..."

Alec wasn't concerned about Derek, who stood no chance against Jarrod.

Even outnumbered, Jarrod could undoubtedly prevail.

Alec's concern over Jarrod's safety was because of Nicole. From his perspective, she was akin to a lethal weapon. Regardless of Jarrod's assertions about being cold to her, it hadn't been a week, and they already rang hollow.

Alec was concerned Nicole likely caused harm to Jarrod.

“Tell me, Alec, how long have you served by my side?" Jarrod's sudden question caught Alec off guard.