Chapter 456
Chapter 456
Nicole, catching Alec's look of surprise, smirked.
Nicole revealed, "Mr. Schultz's arrest by the police is now streaming all over the internet. Starting now, the Schultz Group's stock is going to nosedive, and every project and subsidiary linked to the Schultz Group will take a massive hit. So, even if by some miracle Mr. Schultz dodges the charges, what then?"
As Nicole's words sank in, Alec's expression grew stormier, while Nicole's smile shone even brighter.NôvelDrama.Org owns all © content.
In the gentlest voice, Nicole said the most cutting words, "By the time he gets out, the Schultz Group will be stuck in a hole it can't climb out of. All your hard work will just disappear. Just wait and see how my 'small tricks' bring down the giant Schultz Group!"
Nicole had thought through every possible scenario, including what she'd do if her plan didn't work. That was why she made sure the media covered every detail of Jarrod's being investigated.
As the Schultz Group began to fall apart, with Jarrod having made plenty of enemies, it was only a matter of time before he ended up alone and vulnerable. She just had to watch from the sidelines. Others would take care of him.
Financial crimes could lead to more than ten years in prison, but they weren't punishable by death.
Although Nicole believed Jarrod was responsible for her father's death, without direct action, the law couldn't touch him. She never wished for Jarrod's quick death. She wanted him to see his empire crumble around him. She wanted him to be crushed, to live a life that was worse than death. That was what she wanted for her revenge.
Alec, not expecting Nicole to be so informed, quickly went from mocking to looking at her with deadly seriousness. He warned, "If anything happens to Mr. Schultz, you'll regret it!"
With that, Alec hurried off.
Nicole moved to the window to see Jarrod being led away, surrounded by flashing cameras. She breathed out a sigh of relief. It wasn't a total loss. If all went well, Jarrod could be looking at more than ten years behind bars.
In ten years, Jarrod's empire would likely fall apart, and his name would be forgotten among the Ardlens. No matter what ended up happening to Jarrod, the Schultz Group was on a path to sure decline.
Unless the Hampton family went out of their way to save Jarrod, it was pretty much over for him. But it seemed unlikely the Hamptons would go to such lengths for Jarrod.
Downstairs, through the clear window of the car, Jarrod looked up, almost as if he knew Nicole was watching his downfall.
Since the officers arrived, Jarrod hadn't let his emotions show, not once looking like he was defeated or embarrassed. Even now, sitting in the car with his legs crossed and leaning back a bit, anyone who didn't know better might think Jarrod was on his way to an important meeting, not to the police station.
Jarrod's hospital room was on the fifth floor, so looking up from the ground, a person might seem as small as an ant. But Jarrod looked up intently, as if Nicole and he were standing right in front of each other.
Nicole stepped away from the window, no longer interested in watching. Her job was done. With Jarrod convicted, she and Austin could finally be together without fear. This was the life she had always wanted but never thought possible.
Now, it seemed like it was within their grasp.
Roscoe noticed Nicole's thoughtful look and offered comfort, "Nicole, I've handed in that document. With these extra charges, there's no way he can get out of it."
Nicole felt a twinge of guilt. She had promised herself she wouldn't drag others into this mess, yet here was Roscoe, caught up in it all. She turned to face him, taking in his kind, honest face. He used to be an angel, concerned only with helping others, but now he was caught up in these worldly troubles because of her.
*Roscoe, once Jarrod is out of the picture, stay away from the Watts family. They're bad guys, and you are not one of them, Nicole said earnestly.
The Watts family's actions had left scars on Roscoe, proof of their harshness.
"Okay," Roscoe replied, his eyes bright and sincere. "Nicole, it's going to be alright."
But could it be? Despite her plan, Nicole couldn't shake off a lingering sense of unease, especially remembering Jarrod's final threat. "I won't ever release you again!" That phrase haunted her, sounding almost like a curse.
Raegan spent three days in Mitchel's ward, but Mitchel hadn't woken up yet. His fever came and went, stubbornly refusing to disappear.
The doctors explained the severity was due to a broken rib piercing an important organ. Though the surgery was timely, the post-operative infection was concerning. It was important for him not to get another fever. If his fever came back at night, he would have to be moved to the ICU.
Raegan looked after Mitchel all night without barely sleeping.
At dawn, Janey called, expressing her longing for Raegan and Mitchel.
Raegan talked to Janey for a bit, trying to comfort her.
After the call, Raegan went back to Mitchel's side to check his temperature. It was 98.78 degrees Fahrenheit! She was relieved to see that his fever hadn't come back. The tension she'd been feeling all night started to fade.
Raegan sat at the bedside, caressing Mitchel's face, and whispered, "Mitchel, please wake up, okay? Let's wake up and have a happy life together..."
Mitchel didn't move.
The sadness in Raegan's heart grew little by little. She clasped his wrist, pressing it gently against her cheek to feel his pulse. The rhythmic thumping was a soothing presence.
Then, out of nowhere, a loud crash. Someone barged into the ward, flinging the door wide open.
"I've come to see my son. Dare to block me again, and you'll wish you hadn't!" Luciana's voice echoed sharply.
Caught off guard, Raegan released Mitchel's hand and quickly stood up.
At the sight of Reegan, Luciana stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Time had not been kind to Luciana. She looked as if she had aged years in just a few moments. Her complexion was ashen, a stark contrast to the woman Raegan remembered.
Thinking back, Luciana had pushed for their separation but never truly hurt Raegan. With politeness, Raegan began, "Mrs. Dixon, I...
But before Raegan could get the words out, Luciana charged forward and slapped Raegan across the face. Raegan held her cheek in shock, rooted to the spot, unable to respond.
Matteo, equally stunned, reacted quickly. Before Luciana could strike again, he caught her arm, his voice firm. "Ma'am, this is not right!"
"Let me go!" Luciana fought back hard, her rage showing no signs of cooling down. She pointed directly at Raegan's face, scolding, "This is all your fault! Since your return, my son has been stuck in bed. Keep away from him!"
Raegan felt the sting of the slap across her face, leaving her dazed. It appeared that Luciana had just learned of her return.
Matteo tried to interject. "Please, ma'am. Miss Foster has been looking after Mr. Dixon for the last few days, and he's been aware of her return."
"Get out of my way!" Luciana's outburst was too much for Matteo to manage. "You can't even look after your boss properly. What good are you as an assistant?"
Matteo chose not to answer back, silently taking the criticism. After all, this woman was Mitchel's mother.
Having berated Matteo, Luciana then turned her anger toward Raegan, throwing her purse at Raegan while sharply demanding. 'And you, leave now!"