"Alec!" Nicole was shocked that Alec would incite such drama.

"Enough!" Jarrod intervened, his attention briefly on Nicole's bleeding hands. He instructed a bodyguard, "Take her out and get her hands bandaged."

Nicole had more to say, but Jarrod motioned for the bodyguard to lead her away.

The door closed behind Nicole.

Alec's fiery demeanor seemed to disappear at Nicole's departure, his aggression fading away.

“I get your point," Jarrod finally said, his eyes on the window.

“Sir, I just wanted you to see things clearly..." Alec tried to explain.

"I see it clearly, but..." Jarrod sighed deeply and said with a bitter smile, "I can't help myself."

“Sir, there are plenty of women out there. Why do you have to get stuck on her?" Alec couldn't comprehend it. What did Jarrod see in Nicole? Even shot by Cupid's arrows, at least with a woman who worthed his sacrifice. To Alec, Nicole was heartless, having inflicted harm upon Jarrod on several occasions.

"Alec, have you ever been in love?" Jarrod suddenly asked.

"No," Alec answered truthfully. Romance had never been a priority for him, nor had he encountered anyone who sparked his interest.

It wasn't that Alec's standards were excessively high, but his rude demeanor and the nature of women he met, who were usually after his money or had hidden agendas, meant that none really valued him for who he was. He had never fallen in love, and now, with his disability, he believed it was even less likely.

Alec had given up on the idea of marriage and children. With numerous enemies, he preferred not to expose anyone else to his perilous existence. For him, solitude, devoid of any ties, was the most liberating and comfortable choice.

Jarrod looked at Alec with a meaningful look. "Once you fall in love, you'll comprehend what it's like to knowingly walk into danger, to willingly trap yourself in trouble even when you see a clear way out.”

"In this life, you're my brother through thick and thin, and Nicole is the one I cannot bear to lose," Jarrod added, making his stance clear.

Alec understood that no argument of his would change Jarrod's mind.

He hadn't intended to sow discord, but it pained him to see Jarrod's affection go unreciprocated.

"I understand. I won't bring it up again," Alec answered, bowing his head.

"And keep moving on. Once you've healed, work on strengthening your left arm. The company still relies on you," Jarrod ordered. He knew Alec well. Forcing Alec to retire with a pile of money would be more painful than death. Alec needed to feel valued.

Indeed, a flicker of hope ignited in Alec's previously dim eyes, though his spirit seemed a bit crushed.