Chapter 1661:

🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙

“Really, it’s nothing to fret over, Miss Lawrence,” Rhett reassured her with a casual smile. “Are you here because of Austin?”

Shaking her head, Nicole clarified, “No, Austin’s not here. I’m actually here to see a friend.”

“A friend?” Rhett’s curiosity was piqued. “I wasn’t aware you had friends in the area. Would it be too intrusive if I accompanied you?”

His request came unexpectedly, but it seemed entirely in character for the affable Rhett.

Without giving it much thought, Nicole politely declined. “Maybe next time. I just popped out for a bit. She’s an old friend, and she’s resting now.”

“Oh,” Rhett nodded. “Do you need a ride?”

“Thanks, but you don’t have to,” Nicole responded promptly. “Someone is already on their way to pick me up.”

At that moment, Jarrod approached. Clad in a black trench coat, his imposing stature dominated the space. He addressed Nicole simply, “Time to go.”

Unaware of Rhett standing a few paces away, or so it seemed, Jarrod maintained his focus on Nicole. Rhett and Jarrod had met previously, but it was Rhett who broke the silence, addressing Jarrod respectfully. “Mr. Schultz.”

Jarrod gave no reply, merely nodding slightly in acknowledgment without turning to face Rhett.

Explore captivating tales on gα ℓ ησ ν𝒆 𝓁s․com

Sensing the awkwardness, Nicole attempted to smooth things over. “I just ran into Mr. Bates,” she mentioned casually.

At this, Jarrod turned briefly, offering Rhett a curt grunt.

Rhett, undeterred and smiling, remarked, “It’s nice to witness the plaintiff and defendant getting chummy. It’s heartwarming.”

Jarrod turned fully then, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. “Mr. Bates, you don’t have anything better to do?” His words carried an undertone of disdain, suggesting Rhett was simply lingering.

Unfazed, Rhett responded with a light-hearted grin, “Got a moment. Certainly less occupied than you are, Mr. Schultz.”

The exchange carried a subtle tension, catching Nicole’s attention.

Given Rhett’s previous display of fearlessness toward Jarrod, Nicole sought to prevent further misunderstandings and shield Rhett from their discord.

“Mr. Bates, I need to get going now. Let’s plan to meet up soon,” she said smoothly.

“Absolutely, Miss Lawrence,” Rhett replied, nodding with polite formality. He remained still, watching as Nicole and Jarrod departed, his expression turning thoughtful and calculating.

Deciding to visit Callie, Rhett made his way to her ward, only to be stopped by a police officer. “Sorry, no entry allowed,” the officer informed him firmly.

“My apologies. I must have taken a wrong turn,” Rhett said calmly.

He then approached the nurse’s station and asked in a low voice, “Excuse me, could you help me bandage this?”

Rhett held out his bloody finger, eliciting a gasp from the nurse. As she gathered her supplies, she asked, “Sir, you were just fine. How did this happen?”

Seemingly a bit sheepish, Rhett answered, “I was opening a can.”

A nearby nurse laughed. “Mr. Bates, it’s hard to believe someone as adept as you would get injured opening a can.”

.

.

.