âYouâre being entirely unreasonable!â The security guardâs frustration flared.
He had already flouted protocol by relaying an outsiderâs message.
Now, with Nicole refusing to leave, if the butler reported it, he would bear the blame.
His demeanor toward Nicole shifted, his tone curt as he addressed her directly, âMadam, are you refusing to depart? Then do not hold me accountable for any discourtesy.
â
Two security guards swiftly approached, grasping Nicoleâs shoulders and escorting her outside.
Nicole fought valiantly, but she was no match for the strength of the two burly security guards.
As they restrained her, one guard said, âMiss, we really donât want to do this.
We donât want to upset anyone.
If you just cooperate, it wonât come to this, okay?â
Desperate, Nicole pleaded, âMy child is in danger.
I need to call the police!â
One of the guards chuckled dismissively.
âMiss, are you serious? The young master is always out on the balcony, looking perfectly healthy.
What danger are you talking about? Are you paranoid?â
Hearing this, Nicoleâs fear subsided slightly, though her worry lingered.
The guard continued, âLook, even if you call the police, they wonât take such a report seriously.
You know that, right? Go ahead and try, but you might find yourself the one in trouble.
You could even end up in a psychiatric ward.
The young master is well cared for by Miss Hampton.
Sheâs a wonderful stepmother, very attentive.
She visits daily to look after himâ¦â
Nicoleâs expression darkened.
Before Vickiâs wedding with Jarrod, she was certain Vicki wouldnât harm Austin.
But now, with things changed, she wasnât so sure.
Vickiâs actions against Kamilah, the nanny who had been taking care of Austin and trusted by Austin, were to gauge Jarrodâs reactions.
If Jarrod showed indifference to Kamilahâs wellbeing, it could suggest that Austin might be at risk if Vicki made a move.
Though it was all conjecture, Nicole clung to the adage, âBetter safe than sorry.
â She absolutely could not allow this to happen.
Determined, she yelled, âVicki, come out! Vicki, come out!â
The guards tried to silence Nicole, but it was too late.
Breaking free from the guardsâ grasp with newfound strength, fueled by her burning desire to protect Austin, Nicole rushed to the door, pounding on it and calling for Vicki.
Moments later, the door swung open.
Vicki intervened upon seeing the security guards manhandling Nicole.
âStop, stop.
This is Austinâs mother.
You canât treat her like this.
â
Vicki approached with a calm and gentle demeanor, appearing very much the lady of the house, and asked Nicole, âAre you hurt?â
Nicole doubted Vickiâs sincerity but knew she had to tread carefully.
Suppressing her anger, she inquired, âMiss Hampton, why has the nanny caring for Austin fallen ill?â
Vicki looked genuinely surprised by the question.
âNicole, Iâm not sure about the nannyâs sudden illness.
After all, sickness is common.
Itâs part of life.
Are you suggesting Iâm responsible?â
Vickiâs expression turned sorrowful, and she seemed on the verge of tears.
âItâs tough being a stepmother.
I try my best for Austin, but I canât manage everything, especially not the health of an elderly nanny.
Can you understand that, Nicole?â
The security guards found it difficult to watch the exchange anymore.