“Sixteen years, Mr. Schultz," Alec replied.

“Sixteen years..." Jarrod echoed softly.

In the blink of an eye, Jarrod's gaze shifted to Alec's hand, and without warning, he swiftly raised the window, trapping it tightly.

Alec winced in agony, biting his tongue to stifle a cry of pain.

Alec knew this was Jarrod's way of disciplining him for overstepping his boundaries. He had indeed violated one of Jarrod's rules, and he accepted the consequences. Yet, he remained steadfast in his belief that he had done no wrong. He was a straightforward man, not one for schemes.