Just as Alec was about to reprimand her, he noticed the Watts family's bodyguards were preventing her from leaving.

Turning toward Miguel, Alec demanded, “What's the meaning of this?"

Miguel maintained composure, his hand leisurely tracing his beard as he addressed Alec, “Alec, the accusation against Miss Lawrence regarding the theft of my family's heirloom remains ambiguous. She is to remain under observation for the time being."

"Mr. Watts, have you considered the repercussions?" Alec's countenance was icy, exuding an air reminiscent of Jarrod's authoritative presence, commanding attention.

Miguel harbored a tinge of fear within, yet outwardly projected a facade of calm. In his eyes, Alec was merely perceived as a subordinate and didn't count for anything! Without the role as Jarrod's assistant, Alec wouldn't merit so much as a glance from him.

He would have promptly dismissed Alec long ago.

Alec chuckled icily and retorted, “Mr. Watts, I am an average individual, unable to discern your current intentions. However, my employer possesses courage, ingenuity, and sagacity. Do you truly believe your facade will deceive him? What are the odds?"

Alec's words jolted Miguel into awareness.

Miguel found himself drenched in cold sweat at this remark. Far from a fool, Jarrod possessed remarkable intelligence and astuteness. Plus, Jarrod was adept at employing underhanded tactics!

Knowing he couldn't take action against Nicole today, Miguel attempted to diffuse the tension. “Alec, you've misconstrued the situation. I detained Miss Lawrence with noble intentions."

Miguel chuckled awkwardly, his eye creases sharp as knives. "I aim to conduct a thorough investigation to exonerate Miss Lawrence. It's unjust for her to bear the stigma of a criminal record for such a significant incident, isn't it?"

Miguel possessed a silver tongue, his words carrying a persuasive charm. With years of experience in the field, he navigated such scenarios with ease.

Though Alec saw through Miguel's facade, he was powerless to intervene. He had sensed Miguel's ulterior motives but remained uncertain of their nature. Vigilance was imperative.

Alec scoffed. "Mr. Watts, save your words for Mr. Schultz when he regains consciousness. Don't presume that you wield unchecked authority and can do whatever you want merely because your son married someone from the Schultz family! Your understanding of Mr. Schultz seems sorely lacking!"

Upon hearing Alec's brazen words, Miguel's complexion drained of color, boiling rage simmering within him. To be addressed in such a manner by a mere subordinate Like Alec! Was this the respect he garnered? Alec failed to take him seriously!

Miguel vowed to make Alec regret his insolence sooner rather than later!

Meanwhile, Nicole remained rooted to the spot, her expression a mix of bewilderment and distress. Alec shot her a fierce glare, his patience waning. "What are you lingering for? Do you intend to wait until Mr. Schultz succumbs to his injuries?"

Alec harbored no desire to rescue Nicole. She had caused Jarrod considerable anguish!

Despite Jarrod's insistence that he harbored no feelings for Nicole, the mere notion of her peril compelled him to act.

Alec found himself at a loss for words. Men who were hopeless romantics proved more daunting than women engulfed in love. Jarrod would risk his life to safeguard Nicole, yet she'd offer no gratitude in return, Understanding Jarrod's intentions eluded Alec completely. Nevertheless, he was duty-bound to carry out Jarrod's directives, despite his reluctance. Jarrod's impulsive tendencies when saving Nicole struck fear into him.