Jarrod's face was set in a grim expression, his lips tightly compressed.

Alec's fury erupted. "Losing this arm doesn't bother me. I would give my life to you without hesitation. Ever since you rescued me, I've dedicated my life to you. But this woman's heart is elsewhere. She's not worthy of your sacrifices."

Each word from Alec struck Jarrod like a knife. Sharp as he was, Jarrod couldn't overlook the evident truth that Nicole prioritized Roscoe over him.

But sometimes, a true gambler was someone who knew the risks but still chose to fight. Despite everything, Jarrod still wanted to keep Nicole close by his side, clinging to the faint hope that she might be moved one day.

"I'll decide what's worth it," Jarrod said. "You lost that arm saving me. Just mame what you desire. Anything that will make you feel better."

Alec's fury dissipated, his face turning stern. "Sir, I'll let her go for your sake, but Roscoe, I want his arm."

Nicole caught the resolute chill in Alec's gaze. He was serious. She said sharply, "If you have grievances, settle them with me. Why involve Roscoe?"

Nicole frowned. In this whole situation, Roscoe was the innocent party. If she had decided to save Jarrod back then, Roscoe's body would likely have been crushed beyond recognition. The tree's fall was an act of nature. Had Jarrod and his crew not been there to rescue her and Roscoe, they wouldn't have been in such danger.

With the senior man's intervention, Nicole assumed she and Roscoe might have managed to escape alone, but it was undeniable that Jarrod had saved them. If Alec held her accountable for his injury, she could accept that. But to hold Roscoe responsible was unjust. She was the one who chose to save Roscoe. If grievances needed to be settled, they should be directed at her.

"I wouldn't have lost my arm if you hadn't saved him, right?" Alec shot back.

Actually, Alec didn't truly blame anyone and recognized it as an accident. Even if given another chance, he would choose the same path.

Even when Nicole had alerted Jarrod of the impending danger, he might still have ended up injured.

However, Alec's resentment lingered. Seeing Nicole instinctively save another man felt to him like Jarrod's efforts and sacrifice had been wasted. What was so good about Roscoe? Hadn't Jarrod been good to Nicole? He risked his life to save her, only to be met with disappointment!

Alec aimed to show Jarrod that Nicole would always favor Roscoe, no matter what.

Nicole found this ridiculous. "Alec, do you really believe that's reasonable?"

Alec sneered, "You left Mr. Schultz to save Roscoe. That's the truth, isn't it?"

"I didn't leave anyone behind. Roscoe was helpless at that time. Was I supposed to just watch him die?" Nicole couldn't accept Alec's logic.

"So, you were okay with the prospect of Mr. Schultz facing danger!"

Livid, Alec turned to Jarrod. "Sir, did you catch that? She'd stand by and watch you die. I can't guard you any Longer. Don't put your life on the line for her again. If you die, she'll probably get back to Mr. Watts before you know it."

Alec's words were venomous, designed to cut deep.