Confronted with the potential threats to Austin, Nicoleâs complexion turned ashen.
âI heard your son is on the transplant waiting list.
It would be a pity if he couldnât make it until then, wouldnât it?â Vicki sighed and continued, âHeâs just a kid.
He hasnât even had the chance to see the world yet.
Would it not be tragic if he died just Like that?â
âHow dare you!â Nicole clenched her fist tighter, her voice thick with anger.
âIf anything happens to Austin, Iâll f@cking kill you both.
â
Nicole mentioned âyou bothâ because she thought Jarrod had entrusted Austin to Vicki, showing his negligence as a father.
He was no better than a beast.
If anything were to happen to Austin, she would go to any lengths to make them pay, to avenge her son.
âWith your current state, how do you suppose you could do anything to me?â Vicki scoffed.
âIn my eyes, youâre just an ant.
And as for that son of yours, if Iâm feeling irritable, just a flick of my fingers could end his life.
â
Vicki leaned close to Nicoleâs ear and whispered these harsh words, like a sharp needle driving straight into Nicoleâs brain, the pain sharp.
âYou, you lunatic!â Nicoleâs entire body shook with fury.
Vickiâs true nature was now completely exposed.
Vicki seemed gracious on the surface, yet harbored such dark intentions.
Vicki was unfazed by Nicole calling her crazy.
In fact, embracing madness seemed even more liberating.
Tucking a stray hair behind her ear nonchalantly, she suggested, âPerhaps you should just accept the job Iâve arranged for you.
Itâll keep you too busy to seduce Jarrod, which really would be best for everyone, wouldnât it?â Her voice stayed soft and gentle, belying the venom underneath.
âIâ¦â Nicole struggled to voice her objection, her words stuck in her throat.
She dared not gamble with Austinâs life.
Confident of her Leverage, Vicki pulled out her phone and played a video for Nicole.
âLook at your son, his fever has turned his ears red.
Quite the sight, isnât it?â Vickiâs tone was deceptively sweet as she cruelly taunted Nicole about Austinâs illness.
Nicole trembled, utterly helpless.
Austinâs well-being was controlled by Vicki.
At this point, even reaching out to Jarrod seemed futile.
After all, Jarrod was set to wed Vicki, and Nicole knew Jarrodâs character well.
Though he could not truly love her, as a businessman, he always prioritized his self-interest and reputation.
The Hampton family had supported the Schultz Group during its toughest times.
Consequently, driven by both sentiment and logic, Jarrod was obligated to marry Vicki to honor the Hampton familyâs generosity and solidify his reputation in the business community.
After all, nobody respected those who exploited others and failed to keep their promises.
For Jarrod, marrying Vicki was essential to secure the Schultz Groupâs standing in Ardlens.
Therefore, Jarrod would not punish Vicki for Austinâs sake.
The transaction simply did not justify it.
Indeed, to Jarrod, everything could be seen as a transaction.
âMiss Lawrence, this is an excellent chance for you.
If you agree now, it could spare Austin further distress.
Wouldnât you agree?â
Vicki pressed.
Her words left Nicole without a response, her options seemingly evaporated.
Austin was Nicoleâs vulnerability.
Nicole could not and would not overlook this.
âOkay, Iâll go.
â Nicole consented almost instantly.
What other choice did she have? Submission seemed to be her only option.
Pleased, Vicki commented, âMiss Lawrence, your decision is wise.
You will go tonight.
Iâve arranged for someone I know to meet you.
Please ensure you treat him with respect.
Do not upset my guest, understood?â
Nicole felt a foreboding chill, asking, âWho have you set up for me?â
Vicki laughed ominously.
âMiss Lawrence, no need to worry about that.
Youâll find out soon enough when you arrive.
â
Her laughter sounded strange and unsettling.
Nicole sensed trouble waiting for her.
Yet, she had no other options but to comply with Vickiâs plans.