? ? ? ? ?

Before Nicole could say a word, Raegan's brow furrowed in concern.

«Haven't you heard it? "She told you to let her go," Raegan said.

Jarrod, however, continued to grip Nicole's wrist as if turning a deaf ear to Raegan's words.

Impatient and agitated, Raegan pulled at Jarrod, insisting, "Let go of her, now!"

Trying to fend off Raegan's attempts, Jarrod suddenly felt an arm grab his wrist. It was Victor, not especially tall but with an imposing presence. "Don't touch her," Victor said firmly.

Jarrod, underestimating Victor, tried to free himself from what he thought was a weak grip.

To Jarrod's amazement, Victor's grip was unyielding, suggesting some hidden strength or training.

Simultaneously, Mitchel strategically positioned himself behind Jarrod, his gaze icy and serious. “Jarrod, have a nice chat. There is no need for violence,” Mitchel advised.

It dawned on Raegan. He looked at Jarrod with a mixture of disgust and accusation. "So you were the one who hurt Nicole?" he questioned. "No wonder all the bastards know each other."

Caught off guard, Mitchel unexpectedly found himself with a reprimand.

Luis, with a smile, intervened: “Hey, Raegan, remember that I have always treated you well. Don't lump me in with this scum.

Although Raegan didn't remember Luis well, she noticed his constant smile and seemingly friendly demeanor. "I hope it's true," she replied, nodding her head.

Luis laughed at his response, causing Mitchel to frown in disapproval.

Frustrated, Raegan grabbed Nicole's arm and demanded of Jarrod, "Let her go."

Jarrod didn't want to let go of Nicole. Five years had passed. For five long years, he had longed for Nicole. He had often dreamed of holding her hand. But waking up brought the hard truth. It was just a dream, a fleeting fantasy.

Mitchel had held on to the belief that Raegan was alive all these years despite the car incident he had inflicted on her.

However, Jarrod had seen, even touched, what he believed to be Nicole's mutilated body.

Nicole had planned everything perfectly, leaving Jarrod in no doubt.

Jarrod longed to ask Nicole why she had been so cruel to him. I couldn't stop looking at Nicole, afraid she would disappear if I blinked.

Finally he said, "Shall we talk here or in private?"

Nicole, anticipating this moment with Jarrod, had a plan for some time.

Looking at Jarrod, he playfully suggested, “Somewhere private is better.”

Raegan looked worried. He didn't want Jarrod around Nicole. “Are you sure?”

“It's okay,” Nicole reassured, patting Raegan's arm with a smile. «Come on. I will join you soon.

"Victor, please stay with Nicole." At first, Raegan was unsure of Victor's capabilities. But he trusted that his brother wouldn't assign just anyone as his bodyguard.

Raegan was worried about Nicole dealing with Jarrod alone. However, he believed that with Victor by his side Nicole would be safe.

"It's not necessary," Nicole rejected firmly. He gave Jarrod a defiant look and said, "I doubt Mr. Schultz would do anything against the law."

His comment implied that Jarrod was as dangerous as a ruthless criminal.

However, Jarrod seemed unfazed. He kept his gaze fixed on Nicole, not reacting to her words. He didn't care what others thought.

"OK. Forward". Nicole gave Raegan a reassuring smile. "It's good that you have Victor with you."

"OK. We'll meet later."

"Clear."

At this moment, Matteo approached and informed Mitchel: "Mr. Dixon, the auction is about to begin."

Raegan had already pressed the elevator button, drawing Mitchel's attention to join her.

Raegan smiled and indicated to Mitchel, "Mr. Dixon, the elevator to the auction room is over there."

Raegan's previous gratitude for Mitchel's help in locating and comforting Janey was replaced by anger over the log she had sent the night before. However, he did not want to take advantage of her kindness. He doubled all the expenses and transferred them to the Dixon Group bank account. He assumed Mitchel understood his position.

The elevator doors closed in front of Mitchel, his handsome face showing a hint of worry and his hand slowly pressed against his side.

Matteo felt uncomfortable, suspecting that Mitchel was dragging things out on purpose. It was clear that Mitchel wanted to spend more time with Raegan.

Luis, breaking into a big smile, joked, "Looks like I should keep my distance, or Raegan might start giving me a hard time."

Mitchel looked at Luis and observed coldly: "What valuable ideas could I expect from you, Mr. Single Forever?"

Luis was speechless. I was single, but so what?

Mitchel added: "On that note, I know a young woman from a wealthy family who might be perfect for you."

Luis's smile widened. «Don't worry about me. Many women find me attractive. "I don't need introductions."

"But it's Sadie Miller."

"You have to be kidding!" Luis exclaimed in shock. «Sadie Miller, that savage? Do you hate me or something, brother?

Sadie Miller was famous for her unusual actions, stopping at nothing to win over the man she liked. The last man to attract Sadie's attention had to flee to another country to escape her relentless pursuit. That man swore never to return to Ardlens as long as he lived.

Complicating matters even more was Sadie's past interest in Luis during her teenage years.

However, Luis later moved abroad, so Sadie never had the chance to act on her feelings.

It had been quite some time since Luis returned to Ardlens, and it seemed that Sadie had lost interest in him.

But the mere thought of those days when Sadie was chasing him filled Luis with dread.

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