Chapter 223

Jacob seemed to hear someone calling him and lifted his head. In the dim light from Nicole's phone, his features were obscured, and his expression was unreadable. Noticing Jacob's face, Nicole immediately crouched in front of him and reached out to check his forehead. "Are you alright?" As she got closer, she detected the scent of alcohol. Frowning, she asked, "Have you been drinking?" "Yeah," Jacob replied, his gaze fixed on his lap. He appeared dazed and clearly intoxicated. "Are you out of your mind? You've just been injured. Even if it's not severe, you shouldn't be drinking!" Despite her scolding, Nicole helped Jacob to his feet and guided him into the villa, where John was waiting at the door. "Ms. Barnes, who is this gentleman?" John asked, noticing Nicole supporting a man. He quickly stepped in to offer assistance. "It's alright. He's just had too much to drink. Let him sober up in the living room for a while." "Got it. I'll get a hangover remedy ready," John said, low