It's not that the Watts family proposed discontinuing the collaboration. Rather, Mr. Schultz harbors a disdain for Roscoe and decisively terminates the arrangement. While the termination was quite gratifying, it necessitates finding another partner, hence he is now diligently pursuing alternatives despite sustaining injuries.

Nicole had never realized Alec could be so persistently bothersome.

He had talked for a long time, yet none of it aligned with her interests. Jarrod's personal affairs failed to captivate her attention. Whether or not Jarrod terminated the cooperation with the Watts family mattered little to her. After all, the Watts family business didn't concern Roscoe.

It was commendable that Jarrod was willing to stir up trouble for the Watts family. Recently, the Watts family had become less audacious, and at least they weren't concocting any nefarious schemes against Roscoe. At present, her primary concern revolved around Austin's safety.

Nicole said, “Alec, could you kindly request Jarrod to take my call? I have an urgent matter to discuss."

“Do you truly expect Mr. Schultz to forsake his duties merely to attend to your call?" Alec asked.

Nicole, momentarily taken aback, responded, “I do have an exceptionally urgent matter..."

"How do I articulate your character, Miss Lawrence?" Alec interrupted her again. "Every time you seek Mr. Schultz, it's never for anything commendable. Your association invariably spells trouble, yet he persistently cleans up after you. Consider the incident on that mountain road. You lack gratitude for Mr. Schultz's life-saving favor, and as if that wasn't enough, you even took off to find Roscoe while Mr. Schultz lay unconscious. Your audacity is truly something!

Do you not realize the extent of his sacrifices to rescue you, bearing wounds across his body? The stick not only shattered the ten -hour work of the surgeon's needle but also wounded him emotionally.

Even then, he acted out of concern for you. However, you seemed to wish for his demise. How could you be so heartless, Miss Lawrence?

Alec's agitation heightened as he posed the question once more. “Or perhaps I should inquire, do you possess a conscience at all? Despite Mr. Schultz owing everything to your family, after enduring countless disasters and hardships on your behalf, one would expect some form of reciprocation."

With a sneer, Alec continued, "Yet not only has there been no reciprocation, but I've observed your audacity growing, your determination to undermine him becoming more pronounced. But what does it matter? Let me make this clear. Since Mr. Schultz returned from abroad, he's been operating legally. Even under scrutiny, the outcome remains unchanged. Do you comprehend? I've stood by him for countless years and my allegiance lies with him. A mere glance from him obviates the need for explicit instructions and I'll handle everything."

Alec scoffed. "Miss Lawrence, do my words resonate with you?"

Nicole's thoughts were consumed by concern for Austin, hindering her from fully comprehending Alec's message. Nevertheless, she managed to glean some understanding. It dawned on her that all the nefarious activities of the Schultz Group in recent times were orchestrated by Alec. Attempting to implicate Jarrod from that angle would prove futile.

The more Nicole remained silent, the more Alec's anger intensified.

To him, Nicole appeared heartless and irrational.

Everyone had a unique perspective, and Alec naturally couldn't comprehend Nicole's viewpoint.

Frustrated, Alec exclaimed, "Do you get it? I handled all the dirty work! Mr. Schultz advised restraint, but I resisted. The business world is brutal and one must be ruthless to survive! I'm willing to bear the burden for him. Even if someone attacks me, I won't flinch for the sake of Mr. Schultz's future."

With a cold tone, Alec asked, "Do you think I can stand by and watch you harm Mr. Schultz?"

Finally, Nicole interjected, "Alec, I need to talk to Jarrod about Austin."