With resolute urgency, Roscoe said to Jarrod, "If we don't amputate now, he might not last even half an hour."

Roscoe continued, "And even if a helicopter comes, there's no way to move the big tree. The arm still needs to be cut off. The situation won't improve without that."

Roscoe seemed indifferent to Jarrod's reaction as he added, "If we wait too long, it will be too late. You handle the cutting, and I'll guide you."

Roscoe's current weakness prevented him from performing the task himself.

Jarrod, who was not a trained surgeon, understood that amputation was a critical procedure. Any slight mistake could be fatal. Observing Alec's increasingly pale face and bloodless lips, he paused to think and then reluctantly took out a knife.

Roscoe instructed the bodyguard to sanitize the blade with alcohol.

"Tear off a strip of cloth and tie his arm tightly," he directed.

As the bodyguard began to comply, Jarrod took over, securing Alec's arm with such tightness that he was satisfied only when he felt it was secure enough.

After all these years, Alec had become like family to Jarrod, which was why Jarrod insisted on taking personal responsibility for the procedure, regardless of the outcome, to avoid future regrets for not delivering the most precise operation for Alec.

Once the arm was secured, Roscoe examined it and found the task daunting. Nicole, eager to assist, helped Roscoe reposition himself for a better angle to guide the procedure.

However, this scene seemed to deepen Jarrod's displeasure. It appeared to him that Nicole and Roscoe shared a deep bond, leaving him feeling like an outsider.

Unaware of Jarrod's mindset, Nicole was genuinely trying to help. She felt guilty about earlier events, yet she did not fully regret her actions. She was forced to make a difficult choice. Given Roscoe's condition, her earlier decision had likely saved his life. In contrast, Jarrod, with his agility and strength, could likely survive even if he was trapped under the tree without as severe consequences as Alec, who now faced the loss of a limb. Yet, the possibility remained that Jarrod could suffer a similar fate.

Nicole had considered the possibility. If Jarrod were permanently incapacitated, she would care for him for the rest of his life, acknowledging that he had taken this risk for her.

Roscoe, with great effort, raised his hand to give a directive.

“Right here. Don't stray from this point."

Jarrod, accustomed to high-stakes situations, focused intently. His hands were steady as he made a precise incision. He understood that hesitation wouldn't save Alec. Any delay would only heighten the risk.

Even if a helicopter arrived, the arm would still need to be amputated. It was crucial to act swiftly.

However, the conditions were far from ideal. Jarrod, lacking medical gloves and using a non-surgical knife, found his hands slick with blood, creating a grim scene.

After two attempts, Jarrod paused and said, “This isn't working. The knife can't cut through the bone."

It was, after all, just a regular knife, not a bone saw.