Observing Nicoleâs gaze fixed on Roscoe, a surge of anger swept through Jarrod.
Without uttering a word, he strode past Nicole.
Unperturbed by his presence, Nicole remained indifferent, but Vicki paused and politely greeted, âMiss Lawrence.
â
Nicole looked at Vicki, albeit puzzled by her acknowledgment.
Nevertheless, she replied courteously, âMiss Hampton.
â
With a graceful smile adorning her face, Vicki addressed Nicole, âMiss Lawrence, during your testimony in court, you mentioned that Jarrod had threatened you to return to him with the child.
I believe there might have been a misunderstanding.
â
Nicole remained silent as Vicki continued, âJarrod and I have enjoyed a strong relationship since our engagement a few months ago, and our wedding date is already set.
I have faith in Jarrod.
â
Understanding Vickiâs intention to both flaunt her relationship with Jarrod and issue a warning, Nicole replied, âMiss Hampton, your belief in Mr.
Schultz is your prerogative.
Thereâs no need to involve me.
Iâll stand by my convictions as long as you stand by yours.
â
Unfazed by the rebuttal, Vicki maintained her smile and remarked, âI simply think Jarrod tends to be concise.
Perhaps youâve misunderstood his intentions.
He would never betray me.
â
Not inclined to engage further, Nicole replied perfunctorily, âThatâs reassuring.
â
Vicki appeared displeased and seemed about to say more when she noticed Nicoleâs attorney approaching.
Quickly masking her discontent, Vicki said, âRest assured, Miss Lawrence.
Iâll take excellent care of your child.
â
Nicole was taken aback by Vickiâs words.
Instead of genuinely intending to care for Austin, Vicki used the guise of concern to issue a warning.
Nicoleâs tone turned cold as she stated, âIf you harm Austin, youâll regret it.
â
At that moment, Vicki felt triumphant, wearing a faint smile as she retorted, âMiss Lawrence, Iâm not sure what youâre insinuating.
â
Vicki proved to be far more astute than Doreen, who seemed oblivious to such tactics.
Vicki had lived a privileged life, shielded from much injustice, and bolstered by Wayneâs favoritism.
Consequently, her reputation remained untarnished by negative gossip.
However, Vicki was not unprepared to handle adversity.
On the contrary, her pristine image afforded her numerous opportunities and advantages, as was evident now.
Nicole trembled at the realization of Vickiâs implicit threat.
Vicki had already threatened her with Austinâs safety even before starting to take care of Austin.
Given Austinâs frailty and delicate condition, even minor accidents could pose significant risks to him.
This vulnerability made it all too easy for Vicki to potentially harm him.
âVicki!â Nicoleâs warning was sharp and severe.
âIf you even think about harming my child, I swear Iâll make you pay!â
Vicki appeared taken aback, her hand flying to her mouth as she trembled.
âMiss Lawrence, whatâs gotten into youâ¦â
âDonât pretend!â Nicoleâs expression turned icy, seeing through Vickiâs earlier smile.
Though Vicki covered her mouth, her eyes betrayed a smug satisfaction.
It was evident she was attempting to unsettle Nicole.
Gritting her teeth, Nicole advanced toward Vicki.
âIâm dead serious, Vicki.
Iâll kill youâ¦