In the chaos, the bloodied man, having previously shielded Nicole from the impact, collapsed with a heavy thud.

"Sir!" Alec rushed over to support.

Jarrod looked miserable, his white shirt soaked with blood. He had been recovering from a car accident that had only recently stopped bleeding. Now, his wound had reopened due to the blow he took to protect Nicole, causing him to bleed profusely once more. His Lips were pale, and he appeared extremely weak.

Nicole, still in shock, was baffled about where Jarrod had come from.

Moments before, she had braced for the impact of the stick, but Jarrod had intervened, taking the blow for her.

Alec shot an angry glance at Nicole. "It's all your fault! You're a jinx!" he accused. He stooped to lift Jarrod, who had fainted. Yet, he alone couldn't possibly hoist Jarrod onto his back.

Alec looked at Nicole with fury. “Help me! Don't you have any conscience? Jarrod has saved you countless times, and you don't even care!"

Stunned, Nicole quickly moved to assist in supporting Jarrod.

Meanwhile, Miguel arrived on the scene, feigning surprise. "What... How did this happen?" he exclaimed.

“Sir, there's no need to pretend with me!" Alec retorted sharply.

Miguel, trying to maintain his composure, responded coldly, “Alec, what do you mean? I don't understand!"

Alec scoffed. "Interesting! Mr. Schultz explicitly instructed me to relay the message that Miss Lawrence is not to be touched. What's the meaning of this attack? This thick stick was intended to kill her, wasn't it?”

Miguel feigned confusion. "Alec, you're accusing me wrongly. I simply ordered that the thief caught at the banquet be punished according to our rules. Who would have guessed that the thief was Miss Lawrence? Why would Miss Lawrence steal anything?"

Disgusted by Miguel's charade, Alec spat on the ground. "Save it! Don't pretend you don't recognize Miss Lawrence. If you don't know her, then no one in the Watts family does?" He questioned, his tone full of scorn.

Alec was livid. Jarrod's condition was dire and his previous injuries were exacerbated by this fresh assault. Courtesy was the last thing on anyone's mind now. Miguel was indeed despicable! Miguel must be around since this was Roscoe's wedding. He failed to recognize Nicole?

What nonsense!

Alec had enough of dealing with Miguel. This old scoundrel was merely spinning his tales, wasting time, and Alec couldn't afford to delay Jarrod's medical attention any longer. His back was drenched in Jarrod's blood, and no delay could be afforded.

Alec hoisted Jarrod and made for the exit. Earlier, Jarrod had rammed his car through the gate, badly damaging the front. It was a costly vehicle, now in ruins.

Two bodyguards swung the doors open as Alec laid Jarrod across the back seat, preparing to rush to the hospital.

Once inside the car, Alec sensed something amiss. Nicole hadn't followed! He initially thought she was being callous again, indifferent to Jarrod's grave condition.